generate sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generate sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of causing feelings of sadness or grief, often in a literary or emotional context. Example: "The tragic ending of the novel was designed to generate sorrow among its readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rich people are fantasy figures; the country's continuing economic woes make them topical, and their sorrows generate vicarious joy.

The New York Times

It's meant to generate a sense of sorrow or pity and it immediately reinforces that separation from society, which doesn't help move anyone forward.

Huffington Post

On Care, optimism is generated despite the sorrow of existence, and not in opposition to it.

Vice

It would be easy to assume that the AIDS epidemic, so often associated with loss, generates nothing but sorrow in those it touches, that the personal adjustments we make are all negative.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Or that the British physician Thomas Wills, in the 17th century, noticed that, "Sadness, or long sorrow, as likewise convulsions, and other depressions and disorders of the animal spirits, are used to generate or foment this morbid disposition [diabetes]"?

HuffPost

In his book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, author Alain de Botton explains that a job feels meaningful "whenever it allows us to generate delight or alleviate suffering in others".

The Guardian

Generate, generate!

The Guardian - Film

It inevitably generates not only loss of innocence but endless sorrow and mourning.

Los Angeles Times

In that "almost" there exists both the weakly flickering hope and mountainous sorrow that combines so often in Kleist's work, and generates its uncanny power.

The Guardian - Books

Since the fire, Sheeran has balanced the emotions of sorrow and fear from the fire with those of joy and excitement generated by the basketball team's success.

The New York Times - Sports

and generally immune to sorrow.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generate sorrow" when you want to emphasize the active creation or production of feelings of sadness, grief, or distress, particularly in literary or emotional contexts. For a more neutral tone, consider alternatives like "cause sadness" or "evoke grief".

Common error

Avoid using "generate sorrow" in everyday conversation. It is better suited for formal writing or when discussing profound emotional themes. Simpler phrases like "make sad" are more appropriate for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generate sorrow" functions as a verb phrase where "generate" is the verb, and "sorrow" is the noun acting as the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and found in various reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "generate sorrow" is grammatically correct and serves to describe the act of causing feelings of sadness or grief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage in various reputable sources. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, particularly when discussing profound emotional themes. Alternatives such as "cause sadness" or "evoke grief" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Overall, using "generate sorrow" effectively involves considering the specific context and desired emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause sadness

Focuses directly on producing a feeling of sadness.

create grief

A more direct synonym for causing grief.

evoke grief

Emphasizes a deeper, more profound sorrow.

instill melancholy

Suggests a lingering, reflective sadness.

trigger lament

Highlights the activation of mourning or expressions of sorrow.

foster heartache

Indicates the cultivation of emotional pain and distress.

induce mourning

Highlights the commencement of a period of grief or sorrow.

produce anguish

Emphasizes severe mental or physical suffering.

spark despair

Focuses on initiating a feeling of hopelessness.

precipitate sadness

Indicates an abrupt causing of sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "generate sorrow" to describe something that causes feelings of sadness or grief. For instance, "The tragic ending of the play was designed to generate sorrow among the audience members."

What are some alternatives to "generate sorrow"?

Alternatives include "cause sadness", "evoke grief", or "instill melancholy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "generate sorrow" formal or informal?

"Generate sorrow" is generally considered more formal and is best suited for literary or serious contexts, rather than casual conversation. More neutral or informal expressions, such as "make sad" or "cause grief", may be more appropriate in everyday speech.

What's the difference between "generate sorrow" and "cause sadness"?

While both phrases refer to inducing feelings of sadness, "generate sorrow" often implies a more active and intentional creation of sorrow, particularly in a literary or emotional context. "Cause sadness" is a more general and neutral expression.