heartbroken expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heartbroken expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys deep sadness or emotional pain, often after a loss or disappointment. Example: "When she heard the news, her heartbroken expression spoke volumes about her grief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Where in "The Godfather" a single heartbroken expression on the face of Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone told all when he learned of his son Michael's involvement in family business, this new movie spends more time to less effect on the subject.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

No, she's not, I would reply, anticipating the heartbroken expressions my words always evoked.

The New York Times

And "Still Alice" actress Julianne Moore tweeted that she was "heartbroken by the loss of life and attack on freedom of expression".

Los Angeles Times

Whittingham: "Heartbroken".

The New York Times - Sports

"You're heartbroken.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She's heartbroken.

The New Yorker

His mother was heartbroken.

The New York Times

Naturally, Ruth was heartbroken.

The New Yorker

Everybody is heartbroken.

The New York Times

"He was heartbroken.

The New Yorker

We were heartbroken".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "heartbroken expression" to vividly convey deep sorrow or disappointment through their facial features.

Common error

Avoid using "heartbroken expression" in situations that are only mildly upsetting. Reserve it for moments of genuine and profound sadness to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heartbroken expression" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It's used to vividly portray a person's emotional state through their facial features, as noted by Ludwig, emphasizing deep sorrow. The examples show its role in narrative and descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heartbroken expression" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a facial expression conveying deep sadness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is descriptive, aiming to evoke empathy. While considered relatively rare, its most frequent usage is in news and media. To enhance your writing, employ this phrase to vividly portray intense emotional distress and reserve it for genuinely sorrowful situations. Alternatives include "expression of grief" and "look of devastation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of grief

This alternative focuses on the emotion of grief rather than the specific emotional state of being heartbroken.

grief-stricken face

This clearly indicates a face marked by intense sorrow and loss.

look of devastation

This alternative emphasizes the visual aspect of extreme emotional distress.

face of sorrow

This phrase highlights the emotion of sorrow being visible in one's face.

woebegone look

This phrase describes a look that is filled with woe and sadness.

anguished countenance

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes deep suffering.

crestfallen appearance

This emphasizes a drooping or dejected appearance due to disappointment.

despairing gaze

This alternative highlights a look filled with hopelessness.

melancholy visage

This is a more literary alternative emphasizing a sad or pensive facial expression.

dejected mien

This alternative is somewhat formal and emphasizes a lowered or disheartened demeanor.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "heartbroken expression" in a sentence?

Use "heartbroken expression" to describe a facial expression that conveys deep sadness or emotional pain, often after a loss or disappointment. For example, "When she heard the news, her heartbroken expression spoke volumes about her grief."

What are some alternatives to "heartbroken expression"?

You can use alternatives such as "expression of grief", "look of devastation", or "face of sorrow" depending on the context.

Is "heartbroken expression" appropriate for formal writing?

While "heartbroken expression" is understandable, consider using more formal alternatives like "anguished countenance" or "despairing gaze" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "heartbroken expression" and "sad expression"?

"Heartbroken expression" suggests a deeper, more intense sorrow, usually resulting from a significant loss or disappointment. "Sad expression" is a more general term for showing unhappiness.