extreme sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a profound or intense feeling of sadness or grief. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, he was overwhelmed with extreme sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But as he sat on the train in 1990 he realized the extreme sorrow he would feel if he killed someone, and gave up his guns.

The New Yorker

The Board of Directors, management and staff of White Plains Hospital mourn with extreme sorrow the passing of our dear friend, board member and benefactor, Mrs. Shirley Durst.

The New York Times

FRANK--Sidney E. The Board of Directors, management and staff of White Plains Hospital Center mourn with extreme sorrow the passing of our dear friend, board member and benefactor, Mr. Sidney E. Frank.

The New York Times

ARANOW--Rita A. The Board of Directors, management and staff of White Plains Hospital Center mourn with extreme sorrow the passing of our dear friend and benefactor, Mrs. Rita Aranow.

The New York Times

The Board of Directors, management and staff of White Plains Hospital Center mourn with extreme sorrow the passing of our dear friend, board member and benefactor, Mr. William Silberstein.

The New York Times

FRANK--Sidney E. The Department of Psychiatry of New York Medical College and its entire faculty mourn with extreme sorrow the passing of our friend, neighbor, benefactor and a great humanitarian.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Needless to say the joy and happiness no longer was present, as our home became just a house of sorrow and extreme grief.

Huffington Post

Robert Schumann — sometimes known as "the most romantic of the romantics" — was a composer who could summon the most extreme joys and sorrows.

Los Angeles Times

China has reacted with extreme caution, waiting for days to express sorrow to South Korea for the loss of the crew and expressing skepticism about North Korea's role.

The New York Times

Her joys and her sorrows were civilized, contained, never extreme.

The New York Times - Arts

But a huge reservoir of sorrow remains, together with resentment at extreme bureaucratic insensitivity.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extreme sorrow" when you want to emphasize the intensity and depth of sadness experienced due to a significant loss or tragedy. It's effective in formal writing and narratives where strong emotions are being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme sorrow" too frequently in your writing, as it can sound melodramatic. Opt for varied vocabulary, such as "deep grief" or "profound sadness", to maintain a natural tone and prevent emotional fatigue in your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme sorrow" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "extreme" modifies the noun "sorrow", intensifying the feeling of sadness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extreme sorrow" is a grammatically sound and emotionally potent way to describe intense sadness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English, although may be overused. When employing this phrase, consider its intensity and the context; alternatives such as "deep grief" or "profound sadness" can offer similar meaning with slightly different emotional weights. The sources show its use in news, scientific articles and obituaries, highlighting its applicability in describing serious loss and tragedy. While effective, it should be employed judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep grief

Focuses more on the profound and prolonged nature of the sorrow.

profound sadness

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the sadness felt.

intense grief

Highlights the powerful and overwhelming aspect of sorrow.

overwhelming sadness

Stresses the feeling of being completely consumed by sorrow.

bitter anguish

Suggests a sorrow mixed with pain and resentment.

acute distress

Focuses on the sharp, immediate suffering caused by sorrow.

crushing despair

Implies a sorrow that leads to a complete loss of hope.

unmitigated grief

Suggests sorrow that is pure and without any relief or comfort.

heartrending sadness

Highlights the emotionally painful and poignant aspect of the sorrow.

agonizing sadness

Emphasizes the torment and suffering associated with the sorrow.

FAQs

How do I use "extreme sorrow" in a sentence?

You can use "extreme sorrow" to describe a very intense feeling of sadness or grief. For example: "The news of the accident filled her with "extreme sorrow"."

What are some alternatives to "extreme sorrow"?

Alternatives include "deep grief", "profound sadness", or "intense grief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "extreme sorrow" the same as "mild sadness"?

No, "extreme sorrow" indicates a significantly more intense and overwhelming feeling than "mild sadness", which suggests a lighter, less impactful emotional state.

When is it appropriate to use "extreme sorrow" in writing?

It is appropriate when describing a deep and significant loss, tragedy, or event that evokes very strong feelings of sadness. It is commonly found in news reports about tragedies, obituaries, and personal narratives about loss.