designated mourner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "designated mourner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing roles or responsibilities related to mourning or funerals, often implying a specific person assigned to express grief on behalf of others. Example: "At the ceremony, she took on the role of the designated mourner, representing the family during the memorial service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am the designated mourner.

The New Yorker

Lighting a piece of tissue paper, Jack says to the audience: The designated mourner.

The New Yorker

I have to tell you that a very special little world has died, and I am the designated mourner.

The New Yorker

AMERICA'S quadrennial search for a designated mourner at the funerals of foreign dignitaries otherwise known as the vice-president is in full swing.

The Economist

Except for Jennifer Tipton, the lighting designer, all of the principals involved in "The Designated Mourner" have known one another for more than a quarter of a century.

The New York Times

Also, Hilton Als weighs in on "The Designated Mourner".

The New Yorker

But "The Designated Mourner" is surely the high-water mark.

The New Yorker

After you see "The Designated Mourner," you'll find that hard to do.

The New York Times

Your play "The Designated Mourner" was in part about the conflict between lowbrow and highbrow culture.

The New York Times - Magazine

· Wallace Shawn is the author of The Designated Mourner and Four Plays (Farrar, Straus & Giroux).

The Guardian

The character Jack in "The Designated Mourner" becomes completely bored with his own sense of self.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "designated mourner" when you want to emphasize a specific, often formal, role assigned to an individual to express grief on behalf of a group or organization. It's particularly useful when the role is part of a cultural or organizational custom.

Common error

Avoid using "designated mourner" in very informal contexts. The phrase carries a level of formality, so opt for simpler terms like "family representative" or "friend in charge of condolences" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "designated mourner" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "designated" modifies the noun "mourner". It specifies a particular kind of mourner – one who has been officially or specifically chosen to fulfill that role. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "designated mourner" refers to an individual officially assigned to express grief, primarily in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While alternatives like "appointed mourner" or "official mourner" exist, "designated mourner" effectively conveys a formal role. Remember to consider the context when using this phrase, as its formality may not suit every situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appointed mourner

Emphasizes the act of being officially chosen or assigned to mourn.

official mourner

Highlights the formal and authorized nature of the mourning role.

grief representative

Focuses on representing the grief of a larger group or entity.

bereavement spokesperson

Highlights the act of speaking on behalf of the bereaved.

family representative for mourning

Specifies that the representative is from the family and their purpose is mourning.

lead griever

Indicates the person who takes the initiative or responsibility for expressing grief.

chief lamenter

Suggests a prominent role in expressing sorrow or lamentation.

ceremonial weeper

Implies a traditional or ritualistic role in expressing grief through weeping.

memorial delegate

Highlights the delegation of responsibility for memorializing the deceased.

representative of condolences

Focuses on the role of conveying condolences on behalf of others.

FAQs

How is "designated mourner" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "designated mourner" is used to describe someone officially assigned or recognized to express grief, as in, "At the ceremony, she served as the "designated mourner", representing the family."

What are some alternatives to "designated mourner"?

You can use alternatives like "appointed mourner", "official mourner", or "grief representative" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "designated mourner" a common expression?

Yes, "designated mourner" is a relatively common expression, particularly in news and media, where it's used to describe individuals formally tasked with expressing grief or representing a group in mourning.

In what contexts is "designated mourner" most appropriate?

"Designated mourner" is most appropriate in contexts where there is a formal or official assignment of the role, such as in organized events, official ceremonies, or within specific cultural or organizational structures. It may be less suitable in informal or casual settings.