full of sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is experiencing or expressing a deep sense of sadness or grief. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's passing, she felt full of sorrow and could hardly speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

A man's life is full of sorrow.

The New Yorker

"It's full of joy and full of sorrow".

The New York Times

And now my heart is full of sorrow.

Independent

"Crooked Hearts" is full of sorrow and counterbalancing humor.

The New Yorker

"You must be full of sorrow," people said.

The New York Times - Travel

Both you and the human heart are full of sorrow.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Max writes, "Life is short, and full of sorrows, and I loved it".

The New Yorker

At once everything flows together as the "cries of the crowd came to me like big heartbeats, full of sorrows.

The New York Times - Books

The year has been full of sorrows, succeeded by the realization that, although I don't see you, you have never left my side.

The New York Times

Its pieces were medleys that perambulated from sighing, swooping, trilling solo improvisations to vocals declaimed over turbulent ensembles to hand-clapping dance tunes, as if restlessly traversing the memories of a heritage full of sorrows and celebrations.

The New York Times - Arts

"Max is someone outside the normal passage of time who can see every detail of life with a vividness and a pleasure, so that he is able to say at the end that life is short and full of sorrows, and I loved it".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "full of sorrow", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the sorrow to provide a more complete and impactful description.

Common error

Avoid using "full of sorrow" for minor disappointments; reserve it for situations involving significant grief or profound sadness to maintain its emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of sorrow" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of deep sadness or grief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of sorrow" is a common and grammatically sound way to express deep sadness or grief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "heartbroken" or "mournful" exist, "full of sorrow" provides a direct and versatile way to convey this emotional state. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the situation to ensure it aligns with the profound sense of sadness being expressed. Understanding these nuances will enhance your ability to use "full of sorrow" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sorrowful

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the presence of sorrow.

heartbroken

Emphasizes the emotional pain and devastation.

heavy-hearted

Evokes a sense of emotional burden and sadness.

grief-stricken

Focuses on the intense emotional distress caused by grief.

mournful

Implies a sense of deep mourning or lamentation.

inconsolable

Suggests an inability to be comforted or consoled.

saddened

Highlights the emotional impact of sadness.

despondent

Highlights a state of low spirits and hopelessness.

wretched

Indicates a state of extreme unhappiness or misery.

crestfallen

Describes a feeling of disappointment and dejection.

FAQs

How can I use "full of sorrow" in a sentence?

You can use "full of sorrow" to describe a person's emotional state (e.g., "She was "full of sorrow" after the loss.") or to characterize a situation or event (e.g., "The funeral was a day "full of sorrow".").

What are some alternatives to "full of sorrow"?

Alternatives include "grief-stricken", "heartbroken", or "mournful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "full of sorrow" or "filled with sorrow"?

Both "full of sorrow" and "filled with sorrow" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What is the difference between "full of sorrow" and "sorrowful"?

"Full of sorrow" is a phrase that describes a state of being, while "sorrowful" is an adjective that directly describes someone or something expressing sorrow. For example, "She was full of sorrow" versus "She gave a sorrowful sigh".