great sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep feeling of sadness or grief in various contexts, such as literature, personal reflections, or formal communications. Example: "The news of her passing filled him with great sorrow, leaving a void that would be hard to fill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There had never come to her a single great sorrow….

The New Yorker

So I was actually feeling great sorrow for him".

The Guardian

Some families now live with the burden of great sorrow.

The New York Times

"To our great sorrow, there's no one to agree with.

The New York Times - Magazine

With great sorrow we share the loss of Josie Lindau.

The New York Times

"I have expressed my great sorrow to the family".

The New York Times

Power said she learned of the death with "great sorrow".

The Guardian

With her passing comes great sorrow and she will be sincerely missed and loved forever.

The New York Times

I say this in great sorrow – but mainly in much, much anger.

Independent

It is with great sorrow that we struggle with the death of Dr. Robert Butler.

The New York Times

We note with great sorrow the passing of Sondra, beloved wife of our cherished friend Saul.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying empathy or condolences, use "great sorrow" to express a profound sense of sadness, especially in formal or somber contexts.

Common error

While "great sorrow" is appropriate in certain situations, using it too frequently can diminish its impact. Vary your language to maintain the emotional weight of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great sorrow" functions as a noun phrase, expressing a state of profound sadness or grief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great sorrow" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a profound sense of sadness or grief. Ludwig AI affirms its validity. It is particularly common in news and media contexts, formal announcements, and obituaries. While effective, it is important to use it judiciously and vary language to maintain its emotional impact. Related phrases include "deep grief" and "profound sadness". When using "great sorrow", consider the formality of the situation to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep grief

Replaces "sorrow" with "grief", emphasizing the intensity of sadness.

profound sadness

Substitutes "great sorrow" with a more descriptive adjective and noun pairing.

immense grief

Emphasizes the scale of grief felt.

deep anguish

Replaces "sorrow" with "anguish", suggesting a more intense emotional pain.

extreme sadness

Uses "extreme" to highlight the intensity of the sadness.

heartfelt grief

Implies sincere and deeply felt grief.

intense sorrow

Synonymous rephrasing, emphasizing the intensity of the sorrow.

crushing grief

Suggests an overwhelming and debilitating grief.

unbearable sadness

Highlights the difficulty of coping with the sadness.

overwhelming sorrow

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the sorrow.

FAQs

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

You can use "great sorrow" to express a deep feeling of sadness or grief. For example, "The news of the tragedy filled the community with "great sorrow"".

What are some alternatives to "great sorrow"?

Alternatives include "deep grief", "profound sadness", or "immense grief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "great sorrow"?

While grammatically correct, "great sorrow" is best suited for formal or somber occasions. In more casual contexts, simpler expressions like "very sad" may be more appropriate.

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

"Great sorrow" and "deep sadness" are similar in meaning, but "great sorrow" often carries a slightly more formal or profound connotation, implying a more intense and lasting sense of grief.