in grief

USAGE SUMMARY

"in grief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of sorrow over a loss. Example: John was overwhelmed with sadness, in grief over the passing of his beloved grandmother.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Boyle said Bowie's rejection left him "in grief".

The Guardian - Music

They were in grief.

The New York Times

There's humour in grief.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm still in grief.

The Guardian

She extends her hand in grief.

The New Yorker

The surrounding communities have convulsed in grief.

The New York Times

It just doubles me up in grief.

Independent

In grief, solace; in death, life.

The New Yorker

There is gold in grief.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He said he and other members were "in grief" Monday.

The Washington Post

True in space and true in grief.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in grief" to accurately convey a state of deep sorrow or mourning following a loss. Ensure the context clarifies the cause of the grief for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "in grief" to describe mild disappointment or temporary setbacks. This phrase is reserved for profound sorrow resulting from significant loss, and using it lightly diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in grief" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the state or condition in which an action is performed or a situation exists. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable. Examples from Ludwig show it describing how someone is feeling or acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in grief" effectively communicates a state of deep sorrow and mourning, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. Grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, it serves to express profound emotional distress following a loss. Ludwig highlights its correct usage and suggests that its impact is best preserved by reserving it for situations of significant loss. While alternatives like "in mourning" or "in sorrow" exist, "in grief" specifically emphasizes the depth and intensity of sorrow, making it a powerful and appropriate choice when conveying profound emotional suffering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in mourning

Focuses specifically on the period or act of mourning after a loss.

in sorrow

Emphasizes the feeling of sadness or regret.

in bereavement

Highlights the state of having experienced a significant loss.

in sadness

A more general term for feeling unhappy.

in despair

Implies a complete loss of hope.

in anguish

Suggests intense suffering, either physical or mental.

in agony

Denotes extreme pain or distress.

in heartbreak

Specifically refers to emotional pain, often due to lost love.

in distress

Indicates a state of being troubled or suffering.

in woe

An archaic term for deep sorrow or grief.

FAQs

How do I use "in grief" in a sentence?

Use "in grief" to describe someone experiencing deep sorrow, for example: "She remained "in grief" after the passing of her husband."

What are some alternatives to "in grief"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in mourning", "in sorrow", or "in bereavement" to express similar feelings.

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

"In grief" implies a deep sorrow specifically related to a loss, while "in sadness" refers to a more general feeling of unhappiness that is not necessarily tied to a loss.

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

Yes, "in grief" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a state of profound sorrow following a loss. Ensure that the tone and context of your writing align with the gravity of the situation.