express sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

"express sorrow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it when expressing sympathy or regret in a more formal setting, such as a letter of condolence. For example, "We express our deep sorrow for the loss of your loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

He didn't express sorrow for the Levy family.

The New York Times

To express sorrow over children killed in the Mideast violence, children were brought to the rally.

The New York Times

Lyrics express sorrow as often as swank, vulnerability admitted a rhyme away from concrete nerve.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Abbas also called the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday evening to express sorrow over the killings.

The New York Times

Furthermore, one can simultaneously express sorrow for the dead, particularly the children, and resist direct United States military intervention.

The New York Times

Now there is a need to express sorrow and this has been communicated mostly, sometimes unconsciously, in religious language.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The council expressed "sorrow" over the situation.

The New York Times

He expressed sorrow at Kennedy's death.

The New York Times

She expressed sorrow that the changes had gone through.

The Guardian

Repeatedly, he apologized and expressed sorrow for the outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

The king expressed sorrow at the first two deaths.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express sorrow" in formal contexts when you want to convey a sense of empathy and regret, especially in response to unfortunate events or personal losses.

Common error

Avoid using "express sorrow" in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or insincere. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'm sorry" or "That's terrible" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express sorrow" functions as a verb phrase. It is typically used to describe the act of conveying feelings of sadness, regret, or remorse. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express sorrow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey feelings of sadness, regret, or condolence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While versatile, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. To avoid sounding overly formal, it's best to use simpler alternatives in casual settings. It is crucial to select the best alternative such as "offer condolences", "show remorse" or "convey grief" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel saddened by

This is a more direct and personal way to express a feeling of sadness or sorrow.

convey grief

This alternative focuses on conveying the emotion of grief, which is a deep sorrow.

lament the loss

This highlights the act of mourning or expressing deep sorrow over a loss.

show remorse

This suggests a feeling of regret or guilt for a wrongdoing, closely linked to sorrow.

show contrition

This reflects sincere remorse and sorrow for having done something wrong.

deplore the situation

This indicates a strong disapproval and sorrow for a negative situation.

mourn the passing

This specifically refers to mourning someone's death, a form of expressing sorrow.

offer condolences

This phrase is specific to expressing sympathy after someone's death.

rue the day

This emphasizes regret and sorrow for something that happened on a particular day.

bear the sorrow

This phrase emphasizes to endure a sorrow.

FAQs

How to use "express sorrow" in a sentence?

You can use "express sorrow" to formally convey feelings of sadness or regret. For example, "The organization would like to "express sorrow" at the passing of their former colleague".

What can I say instead of "express sorrow"?

You can use alternatives like "offer condolences", "show remorse", or "convey grief" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "express sorrow" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "express sorrow" is generally more suitable for formal settings. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like "I'm sorry" or "That's awful" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "express sorrow" and "express sympathy"?

"Express sorrow" generally conveys a deeper sense of sadness or regret, while "express sympathy" focuses more on understanding and sharing the feelings of another person.