felt sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

"felt sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone is feeling in a particular situation. For example, "When she heard the news, she felt sorrow in her heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We were shocked, we felt sorrow for them.

The Guardian - Arts

"I felt sorrow and shame and panic and great bitterness".

The New Yorker

Masyoun Bahdawan, 48, a Palestinian who lives next to Maale Hazeitim, said she felt "sorrow".

The New York Times

We extend our love and deep felt sorrow to the Bain and Antell families.

The New York Times

Her tears mingled with mine amid kisses and heart felt sorrow.

The New York Times

I have felt sorrow for Snare, the autodidact, with his humble resources and powerful opponents.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I feel sorrow to say it.

Independent

"Of course I feel sorrow," he said.

The New Yorker

I feel sorrow for my country," he told UBR television.

Independent

OLDSBURY: O, I feel sorrow in my heart!

The New Yorker

I was too young, that day, to feel sorrow or sympathy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "felt sorrow" to express a personal experience of grief or sadness, often in response to a specific event or situation. It implies a direct, emotional connection to the source of the sorrow.

Common error

While "felt sorrow" is appropriate for expressing personal emotions, avoid overusing it in formal reports or analytical writing. Instead, opt for more neutral or objective language depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "felt sorrow" functions primarily as a verb phrase, expressing a past emotional experience. It describes the act of experiencing sorrow. As Ludwig AI points out, it correctly and effectively conveys this emotion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "felt sorrow" is a grammatically sound and effective way to express a personal experience of grief or sadness. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and appropriate in written English. While "felt sorrow" is most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as science-related contexts, its meaning is universally understood. Alternative phrases such as "experienced grief" or "was saddened" can offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis. However, writers should ensure it aligns with the intended emotional intensity and context to create the right message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grieved deeply

Highlights the depth of the sorrow.

was saddened

A passive way of expressing sorrow.

experienced grief

Emphasizes the emotional experience of grief.

mourned loss

Specifically relates to sorrow experienced from loss.

sensed sadness

Focuses on the perception of sadness.

knew remorse

Highlights a feeling of regret and guilt.

endured heartache

Suggests a prolonged period of emotional pain.

suffered regret

Focuses on the feeling of regret as the primary emotion.

was distressed

Implies a state of anxiety and suffering.

bore anguish

Expresses deep and agonizing sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "felt sorrow" in a sentence?

You can use "felt sorrow" to describe a personal experience of sadness, such as, "After hearing the news, I "felt sorrow" for the victims and their families."

What are some alternatives to "felt sorrow"?

Alternatives to "felt sorrow" include "experienced grief", "sensed sadness", or "was saddened", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "felt sorrow" the same as "felt sadness"?

While similar, "felt sorrow" often implies a deeper, more profound sense of loss or grief compared to "felt sadness". Sadness is more general, whereas sorrow suggests a more specific and intense emotional experience.

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

"Felt sorrow" is appropriate in contexts where you want to express a personal, deeply felt emotional response to a loss, tragedy, or other significant event. It can be used in personal narratives, creative writing, or empathetic communication.