grave sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep and serious feeling of sadness or grief. Example: "The community gathered to mourn the loss of their beloved leader, filled with grave sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At this time of grave sorrow, we extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family.

The New York Times

The luminous acting by the barefoot, multi-ethnic cast of four beautifully serves the production's beguiling mix of grave sorrow and mischievous levity, its shifting moods underscored by the virtuosic Japanese percussionist, Toshi Tsuchitori, on his lone traditional drum.

Independent

Hunt Lieberson closed the program with three songs by Mozart, including "Abendempfindung" ("Evening Thoughts"), a conventionally sentimental song that she elevated to a place of grave sorrow, and a Masonic cantata, "You who honor the Creator of the Infinite Universe," in which she turned a didactic plea for universal brotherhood into a declaration of radiant optimism.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The dying of leaves, he implies, will pale beside graver sorrows.

The New York Times - Books

"He has left such a void, such an aching void in Mont's heart and mine that we must go down to our graves sorrowing.... Mont never dwells on this sorrow, he seldom speaks of our dear boy.

The New York Times - Books

There is too much grave, personal sorrow — the book throbs like a wound — to be processed by that cold machinery.

The New Yorker

Like voices from beyond the grave, the characters' sorrow often has an attenuated, slightly disembodied quality.

The New York Times - Books

People do try to start again, despite the encircling sorrow and graves.

The New York Times

If the dead are right, he says, maybe our ancestors went very astray "with all that (sometimes lifelong) ritual of sorrow – visiting graves, keeping anniversaries, leaving the empty bedroom exactly as 'the departed' used to keep it … or even (like Queen Victoria) having the dead man's clothes put out for dinner every evening".

The Guardian - Books

Françoise Sagan's "Bonjour Tristesse", published in 1954, for instance, opens with the 17-year-old Cécile's lament:A strange melancholy pervades me to which I hesitate to give the grave and beautiful name of sorrow.

The Economist

Last Stand, a previous single, was also produced by Sohn and showcases what listeners will either find gripping or galling about Kwabs: that voice, one that perennially appears to be the bringer of grave news, a harbinger of sorrow.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave sorrow" when you want to convey a sense of profound and serious sadness, often in formal or commemorative contexts. It adds a touch of solemnity and weight to the expression of grief.

Common error

Avoid using "grave sorrow" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its formal and solemn tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave sorrow" functions as a noun phrase, where "grave" modifies the noun "sorrow", intensifying its meaning. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It typically describes a state of profound sadness or grief.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave sorrow" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express profound sadness, as validated by Ludwig. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. Ludwig's analysis suggests it's suitable for serious discussions of loss and grief. While its usage is correct, "deep grief" or "profound sadness" may be more suitable in casual settings. Remember to leverage its solemn tone when the context calls for a serious expression of sorrow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep grief

Focuses on the intensity of the grief, omitting the nuance of seriousness conveyed by "grave".

profound sadness

Emphasizes the depth of the sadness, offering a slightly more general and less formal alternative.

intense grief

Highlights the powerful nature of the grief, similar to "deep grief".

deep mourning

Implies a public or prolonged display of grief, adding a layer of ritual or ceremony not necessarily present in "grave sorrow".

extreme sadness

Conveys a high degree of sadness, but lacks the solemnity associated with "grave sorrow".

heartfelt grief

Stresses the sincerity and genuineness of the grief.

bitter sorrow

Suggests a sorrow tinged with resentment or regret, adding an emotional dimension not explicit in "grave sorrow".

acute grief

Emphasizes the sharpness and suddenness of the grief, implying a recent or traumatic loss.

severe grief

Indicates a high degree of intensity and impact.

great sadness

A more common and less intense expression of sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave sorrow" to describe a deep feeling of sadness or grief, such as "The community expressed their "grave sorrow" at the news of the tragedy".

What are some synonyms for "grave sorrow"?

Alternatives to "grave sorrow" include "deep grief", "profound sadness", or "intense grief", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grave sorrow" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, "grave sorrow" is best suited for formal or serious contexts. In casual settings, simpler expressions like "deep sadness" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "grave sorrow" and "deep sadness"?

"Grave sorrow" implies a deeper, more serious level of grief than "deep sadness". "Grave" adds a sense of weightiness and solemnity to the feeling of sorrow.