feel bereft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel bereft" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to feel deprived or lacking something or someone important. Here's an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "After the death of his beloved dog, John couldn't help but feel bereft and lonely without his faithful companion by his side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

And I feel bereft.

The Guardian - Books

Why do I feel bereft?

The Guardian - Opinion

That we all feel bereft.

The New York Times

So why would she feel bereft if she lost it?

The New York Times - Style

Without it, we feel bereft of meaning and happiness.

The New York Times

I feel bereft without anyone for whom I can vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

I felt bereft.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I felt bereft," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Schwartz felt bereft.

The Guardian - Books

I felt bereft and responsible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She felt bereft, like a painter suddenly denied oils.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel bereft" when you want to express a profound sense of loss or deprivation, especially after losing something or someone valuable. It conveys a deeper sense of emptiness than simply feeling sad.

Common error

Avoid using "feel bereft" when a milder emotion like "sad" or "disappointed" is more appropriate. "Bereft" implies a significant loss, so choose a different word to reflect smaller setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel bereft" functions as a subjective description of an emotional state, indicating a profound sense of loss or deprivation. Ludwig examples highlight its use in expressing feelings of emptiness and sadness, in line with Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel bereft" is a powerful way to convey a deep sense of loss or deprivation, as Ludwig AI confirms. It's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news media and literature. While there are numerous synonyms like "feel deprived" or "feel heartbroken", "feel bereft" carries a unique weight, suggesting a significant absence. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the profound sense of loss it conveys. Ludwig's examples effectively illustrate its usage across various scenarios, reinforcing its acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel deprived

Focuses on the state of being without something essential.

feel grief-stricken

Emphasizes the intense sorrow and emotional pain associated with loss.

feel desolate

Highlights the sense of loneliness and abandonment.

feel heartbroken

Focuses on the emotional pain and sadness caused by loss or disappointment.

feel empty

Emphasizes the absence of something that once filled one's life.

feel forlorn

Highlights the sense of being abandoned and lonely, often with a touch of sadness.

feel abandoned

Focuses on the sense of being left behind or deserted.

feel the loss

A more general way to express the feeling of missing someone or something.

feel saddened

Emphasizes the experience of feeling sorrow or unhappiness.

feel the absence

Focuses on the awareness of something missing.

FAQs

How can I use "feel bereft" in a sentence?

You can use "feel bereft" to describe a feeling of great loss or deprivation. For example, "After her departure, I "felt bereft" of her companionship."

What's the difference between "feel sad" and "feel bereft"?

"Feel sad" is a general expression of unhappiness, while "feel bereft" implies a deeper sense of loss and deprivation. Feeling "bereft" often suggests something important has been taken away.

Are there any synonyms for "feel bereft" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "feel deprived", "feel desolate", or "feel heartbroken" depending on the specific context and intensity of emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel bereft"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Feel" is a linking verb, and "bereft" is an adjective describing the state of being deprived or lacking something. The phrase "feel bereft" is commonly used and accepted in standard English.