grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'grief' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a deep sadness or sorrow. For example: "The family of the deceased was filled with grief after the loss of their beloved father."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ice zombies themselves were a little bit Evil Dead (although as a fan of Bruce Campbell I don't entirely hate that) but Meera's near-paralysing grief as her brother lay dying in her arms was beautifully played by Ellie Kendrick.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

SH Daniel is a very intuitive actor – he felt the stillness which comes from grief in an era when men didn't  burst into tears and weep over their friends.

The Guardian - Film

A lot of break-ups seem to have an element of bereavement and we don't know very much about grief in the brain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Holding that joy and grief simultaneously makes her one of the strongest people I know.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

According to Matthew Dennison in the Times: "What exonerates this structurally imperfect book is its tangible emotion: John's grief as he witnesses Mary's 'disappearance' and the author's intense love for the county of his birth".

The Guardian - Books

But it does have a sustained account of the grief of the bereaved, even if the ethical context – there is definitely something to do with environmentalism going on – is definitely more context than ethics.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it might lessen the seismic nature of grief and fear a little, for both young children and adults, if we grew up with the idea of death as both inevitable and essential, instead of keeping it at arm's length.

The Guardian - Books

But I refused to admit I needed help for months, so by the time I eventually looked into the university's free counselling service, my grief had left me feeling desperate.

The Guardian

From running a successful scuba-diving business on Cyprus, the mother-of-two found herself catapulted into a world of grief, unable to even visit the ornate, two-storey villa the couple had bought on the island.

The Guardian

I am not going to tread on private (and public) grief in the case of Miliband, other than to say that, when saddled with a leader they regard as a loser, the Tories traditionally have no scruples in unseating the incumbent.

The Guardian

I thought my inability to function like a normal person was down to my own failures, and nothing to do with grief.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "grief", consider the specific type and intensity of sorrow to choose the most appropriate language and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using overused phrases when describing "grief". Opt for specific and evocative language to convey the depth of emotion more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The word "grief" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a state of intense sorrow caused by loss or misfortune. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it is used to describe both the feeling and the cause of suffering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Lifestyle

14%

Books

14%

Less common in

Opinion

4%

Film

4%

Arts

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grief" is a versatile noun used to express deep sorrow and emotional pain, predominantly in the context of loss or misfortune. As noted by Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and very common. Its usage spans across various registers, including News & Media, Lifestyle, and Books, making it adaptable for different communication settings. While semantically related alternatives like "sorrow" and "heartache" exist, choosing the most appropriate word depends on the specific nuance intended. Avoiding clichés and focusing on specific details is crucial for effectively conveying the depth of emotion associated with "grief".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sorrow

Direct synonym for "grief", indicating deep sadness.

heartache

Emphasizes the emotional pain associated with loss, focusing on the heart.

anguish

Suggests a more intense and prolonged suffering compared to general sadness.

bereavement

Specifically refers to the state of mourning after a loss, especially a death.

mourning

Focuses on the process of grieving and expressing sorrow.

distress

Highlights the mental or physical suffering caused by "grief".

lamenting

Implies expressing "grief" through words, songs, or actions.

despair

Suggests a complete loss of hope as a result of "grief".

suffering

Captures the broader experience of enduring hardship, which can include "grief".

woe

An archaic term, emphasizes deep sorrow or "grief".

FAQs

How can I use the word "grief" in a sentence?

You can use "grief" to describe a feeling of deep sorrow, as in "The family was overcome with grief after the sudden loss." It can also refer to the cause of sorrow, such as "Her constant complaints were a source of grief to him."

What are some synonyms for "grief"?

Alternatives to "grief" include "sorrow", "heartache", "anguish", and "bereavement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grief" in formal writing?

Yes, "grief" is a suitable word for formal writing when describing profound sorrow or loss. However, consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate.

What is the difference between "grief" and "sadness"?

"Grief" is a more intense and prolonged emotional response to a significant loss, while "sadness" is a more general feeling of unhappiness or sorrow. "Grief" often involves a deeper sense of loss and can encompass a wider range of emotions.