grieving about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grieving about" is not commonly used in written English; "grieving over" or "grieving for" would be more appropriate.
You can use it when discussing feelings of sorrow or loss, but it's better to use the more standard alternatives. Example: "She was grieving about the loss of her beloved pet."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"If you're feeling angry, frustrated or grieving about literally anything, Harambe becomes a vehicle for you to make gags".

Vice

I'm grieving about a very special bear".

The New York Times

"I was grieving about my brother," Mr. Ruffalo said.

The New York Times

That makes no sense for us who are grieving about a child we have lost.

The Guardian

Some touched on the recent shooting, while others conveyed daily life experiences they're grieving about.

The Guardian

His son, he said, had been "grieving about what is happening to Muslims" abroad.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We grieved about this," he recalled wryly.

The Guardian - Tech

"Grieved about Leiby Kletzky and the whole tragic situation.

The New York Times

" I cannot grieve about it, nor perhaps can his Widow very much".

The New York Times - Arts

There was nothing to grieve about in her death, but she would like to see that he did not repeat her fate.

The New Yorker

Music has been "a way to grieve about my marriage, and make sense of what it means that my life has changed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "grieving about" is understandable, consider using more common alternatives like "grieving for" or "grieving over" to enhance clarity and resonance with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "grieving about" in formal writing. Opt for "grieving for" or "grieving over" to maintain a professional and polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grieving about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the experience of sorrow or distress related to a specific event or situation. While understandable, Ludwig AI notes it's less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grieving about" describes the act of experiencing sorrow or distress. While understandable, it is less common than alternatives like "grieving for" or "grieving over". Ludwig AI confirms this, suggesting that those alternatives might be more appropriate for clearer communication. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it's advisable to consider the formality of your writing and opt for more standard alternatives, especially in formal contexts. The examples illustrate a variety of situations where grief can be expressed, reinforcing the phrase's general purpose. Ultimately, while not incorrect, choosing a more conventional phrasing may enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grieving for

A common and widely accepted alternative to "grieving about".

mourning over

Emphasizes the act of expressing grief after a loss; more standard usage.

lamenting about

Implies a more vocal expression of grief or sorrow.

sorrowing over

A more formal and literary way to express grief.

feeling grief regarding

More formal and less common; emphasizes the emotion.

in mourning for

Focuses on the state of being in mourning.

bereaved by

Describes the state of having experienced a significant loss.

agonizing over

Highlights the mental and emotional suffering.

distressed about

Implies a strong emotional reaction to something negative.

worrying about

Shifts the focus to concern and anxiety, but retains a sense of unease.

FAQs

What's a more common alternative to "grieving about"?

More common alternatives include "grieving for" or "grieving over", which are generally preferred in both formal and informal contexts.

Is "grieving about" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "grieving about" is less idiomatic than alternatives like "grieving for". Its usage may sound slightly awkward to native English speakers.

How can I use "grieving for" in a sentence?

Example: "She was "grieving for" her lost friend."

What is the difference between "grieving about" and "mourning"?

"Mourning" is a broader term referring to the period of sorrow and remembrance after a loss. "Grieving" refers to the emotional experience of that loss. You can say someone is "mourning", or "grieving".