filled with sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone feeling an intense emotion of sorrow or grief. For example: "After the death of her beloved pet, she was filled with sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It was one of the most sorrowful images of those four days filled with sorrow.

Huffington Post

Some lives are filled with sorrow and woe.

The New Yorker

It was all very jolly — except for the songs, which were filled with sorrow and death.

The New York Times - Arts

We are filled with sorrow at the passing of our cousin, William Modell.

The New York Times

The trial, Mr. Ullmann told the jurors in 2004, was "a grieving process, filled with sorrow and shame".

The New York Times

I am filled with sorrow that I lost my dad and that our country is losing the NHS.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

My heart fills with sorrow on the reflection.

The New York Times

However, the woman who is saved is filled with "regret and sorrow" until she is able to re-unite with her rescuer.

Wikipedia

His life was also filled with personal sorrow.

The New York Times - Arts

We are filled with great sorrow upon the news of the passing of our most esteemed colleague and friend, Stan Schiowitz, DO.

The New York Times

The music is spartan, some of it filled with the sorrow of conflict and loss, some with familiar themes like I Hate My Husband Who Drinks.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with sorrow" to describe a state of deep sadness or grief, especially when emphasizing the emotional burden or overwhelming nature of the sorrow. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "filled with sorrow" in situations that warrant a milder expression of sadness. Using it for minor disappointments can sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with sorrow" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state or condition. It indicates that something or someone is experiencing or characterized by a significant degree of sadness. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filled with sorrow" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of deep sadness or grief. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the intensity of the emotion and is used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the phrase's intensity aligns with the situation and avoids sounding melodramatic. Alternatives like "overcome with grief" or "consumed by sadness" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Ultimately, "filled with sorrow" remains a powerful and appropriate choice for expressing profound sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome with grief

Replaces "sorrow" with "grief" and "filled" with "overcome", emphasizing the intensity of the emotion.

consumed by sadness

Substitutes "sorrow" with "sadness" and "filled" with "consumed", highlighting the pervasive nature of the feeling.

burdened with grief

Emphasizes the heavy weight of sorrow, portraying it as a burden one carries.

heavy with sadness

Focuses on the weight and emotional burden associated with sadness.

grief-stricken

A single word replacing the phrase, indicating a state of being deeply affected by grief.

sorrowful

A single adjective that conveys a sense of deep sadness.

heartbroken

Indicates extreme emotional pain and sadness, often associated with loss.

deeply saddened

Replaces "filled with" with "deeply", intensifying the feeling of sadness.

mournful

Implies a state of mourning or deep sorrow, often related to bereavement.

inconsolable

Suggests a level of sorrow that cannot be alleviated or comforted.

FAQs

How can I use "filled with sorrow" in a sentence?

You can use "filled with sorrow" to describe a person, place, or time characterized by deep sadness. For example, "Her heart was filled with sorrow after the loss of her friend".

What are some alternatives to "filled with sorrow"?

You can use alternatives like "overcome with grief", "consumed by sadness", or "grief-stricken" depending on the context.

Is "filled with sorrow" formal or informal?

"Filled with sorrow" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the specific audience and adjust your language as needed.

What is the difference between "filled with sorrow" and "sad"?

"Sad" is a general term for unhappiness. "Filled with sorrow" indicates a deeper, more profound sadness, often associated with loss or grief. It expresses a more intense emotional state than simply being "sad".