expression of sadness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression of sadness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings, emotions, or artistic representations that convey sadness. Example: "The poem is a beautiful expression of sadness, capturing the deep sense of loss experienced by the narrator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

On Ms. Smith it seems an expression of sadness.

The New York Times - Arts

Actor Pete Postlethwaite, whose death earlier this month was greeted with a nationwide expression of sadness and affection, has told his own story in a memoir due out this summer.

The Guardian - Film

The Anna Freud Foundation joins in the expression of sadness at the death of Peter B. Neubauer, M.D., who served on the Foundation's Board for several decades and as its Secretary and its chairman for many of those years.

The New York Times

The dreamy New Age language of this couple is missing the kind of down-to-earth expression of sadness or remorse about the accident that might have made this article less objectionable.

The New York Times

Similarly, when we hear sadness in a piece of music, we are hearing the music metaphorically as a vocal expression of sadness.

University of Chicago

Levinson claims that the obvious suggestion here is that the funeral march is 'readily-hearable-as' an expression of sadness.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Nor does he shy away from heartfelt expressions of sadness and pain.

The New York Times - Arts

Rather than offer policy solutions, Trump has stuck with general expressions of sadness following mass shootings.

The Washington Post

She's naturally doe-eyed, meaning her expressions of joy are dashed with melancholy, and her expressions of sadness are dashed with hope.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. McConnell entirely sidestepped the question of gun control, limiting his statement only to expressions of sadness and sympathy.

The New York Times

"As the Americans approached the mourners, those who were grieving wore expressions of sadness and hatred," said Sheik Muhammad Abdullah al-Jubori, a retired English teacher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expression of sadness", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to an outward display of emotion or an internal feeling. For clarity, specify if it's a facial, verbal, or artistic expression.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of sadness" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "manifestation of sorrow" or "display of grief" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of sadness" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the act of conveying or showing sadness, whether through facial expressions, words, or artistic representations. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both outward displays and internal emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expression of sadness" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the outward manifestation of sadness. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse contexts, including news reports, scientific studies, and academic analyses. To prevent repetitiveness, consider synonyms like "manifestation of sorrow" or "display of grief". Pay attention to context to determine whether you are describing an outward display, an internal feeling, or an artistic representation of sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manifestation of sorrow

Replaces 'expression' with 'manifestation' and 'sadness' with 'sorrow', offering a more formal tone.

display of grief

Substitutes 'expression' with 'display' and 'sadness' with 'grief', emphasizing the outward showing of deep sorrow.

outward sorrow

Focuses directly on the visible or apparent nature of the sadness.

demonstration of unhappiness

Uses 'demonstration' instead of 'expression', making it slightly more emphatic, and replaces 'sadness' with 'unhappiness'.

portrayal of melancholy

Employs 'portrayal' to suggest a representation, often in art or literature, and uses 'melancholy' to describe a reflective sadness.

air of despondency

Focuses on an atmosphere or feeling exuded, using 'despondency' to denote a state of low spirits.

hint of sorrow

Indicates a subtle or understated expression of sadness.

sign of grief

Highlights that the sadness is a discernible indicator of underlying grief.

exhibition of woe

Replaces 'sadness' with 'woe', emphasizing deep suffering or distress.

feeling of sadness

Highlights the internal subjective experience of sadness, rather than the external display.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "expression of sadness"?

Alternatives include "manifestation of sorrow", "display of grief", or "portrayal of melancholy", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "expression of sadness" in a sentence?

You might say, "Her trembling voice was an expression of sadness", or "The painting captured an expression of sadness in the subject's eyes".

Is it better to say "expression of sadness" or "feeling of sadness"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Expression of sadness" refers to the outward manifestation, while "feeling of sadness" refers to the internal emotion. Choose the phrase that aligns with what you intend to describe.

What is the difference between "expression of sadness" and "sign of sadness"?

"Expression of sadness" implies a deliberate or noticeable display, whereas "sign of sadness" suggests a more subtle or unintentional indication. A furrowed brow might be a "sign of sadness", while crying is often an "expression of sadness".