full of grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing a deep sense of sorrow or sadness, often due to loss or tragedy. Example: "After the passing of her beloved pet, she was full of grief and struggled to find joy in her daily life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I'm so full of grief, still," Sidney Lisson said.

The New York Times

"Suffice to say that I am full of grief and sighs..

The New Yorker

"Suffice to say that I am full of grief and sighs...

The New Yorker

Then she asks: "Why are you full of rage?" The answer is: "Because you are full of grief.

The Guardian - Books

Here, she sings a song in Arabic and afterwards explains: "Iraqi songs are sad and full of grief.

The Guardian

June is a wet hankie of a character, full of grief and anger, but otherwise lacking any distinguishing characteristics.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Oscar's father cannot permit himself the full measure of grief for the loss of his wife, for God has taken her: "He had not been able to bear it, but he had borne it".

The Guardian - Books

The point is, of course, that they are full of emotions, grief and expectation.

The Guardian

Composer Angelo Badalamenti conjures a symphony of suspended chords that hang in the air full of dread, grief, and terrible magic.

The Guardian - Film

And, in truth, Mr. Coogler has made that movie, even as he has also made one full of anger, grief and frustration.

The New York Times

Sometimes he believed that she was shamming, making too much of it, and at other times he was full of real grief that he had made her suffer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of grief" to vividly depict a state of deep sorrow, often as a result of loss or tragedy. Ensure that the context clearly establishes the reason for the grief to maximize the phrase's emotional impact.

Common error

While "full of grief" is a valid expression, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions of sorrow by incorporating more nuanced vocabulary like "despondent", "anguished", or "heartbroken" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of grief" functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being deeply affected by sorrow. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where it depicts characters or individuals experiencing profound sadness. It adds emotional depth and specificity to descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of grief" effectively describes a state of deep sorrow, often resulting from loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, fitting seamlessly into various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While conveying a strong emotional state, it's wise to avoid overusing the phrase and consider alternatives to enrich your writing. To effectively use the phrase, make sure the context clearly establishes the reason for the sorrow. Overall, it is a common and usable expression for portraying intense sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grief-stricken

A single word emphasizing being struck by grief, highlighting intensity.

stricken with grief

Emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of grief, suggesting a state of being severely affected.

overwhelmed with sadness

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or overcome by a profound sense of sadness.

heartbroken

Directly conveys the intense pain and emotional devastation associated with grief.

deeply saddened

Highlights the profound depth of sadness experienced.

consumed by sorrow

Focuses on the engulfing nature of sorrow, emphasizing the extent to which grief dominates one's emotional state.

weighed down by sorrow

Illustrates the burden and heaviness that grief imposes on an individual.

inconsolable

Focuses on the inability to be comforted or consoled due to overwhelming grief.

bereft of joy

Emphasizes the absence of happiness and the sense of loss that accompanies grief.

mournful

Describes a state of sorrow and lamentation, often associated with the grieving process.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "full of grief" in a sentence?

To use "full of grief" effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the sorrow, intensifying the emotional impact. For instance, "After the devastating loss, she was "full of grief" and unable to find solace."

What are some alternatives to saying "full of grief"?

Alternatives to "full of grief" include "stricken with grief", "overwhelmed with sadness", or "consumed by sorrow", each offering a slightly different nuance to describe deep sorrow.

Is it better to say "full of grief" or "grief-stricken"?

Both "full of grief" and "grief-stricken" are valid, but "grief-stricken" is more concise. "Full of grief" may provide a slightly more descriptive or emphatic tone, depending on the context.

What's the difference between "full of grief" and "sad"?

"Sad" is a general term for unhappiness. "Full of grief" implies a deeper, more profound sorrow, usually resulting from a significant loss. It conveys a more intense and consuming emotional state than simply being "sad".