in sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in sorrow" is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
This phrase typically describes an emotional state of sadness or grief. For example, "The funeral attendees mourned in sorrow for their beloved family member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In sorrow, but unbowed.

The Guardian

"More in sorrow than in anger".

The New Yorker

I couldn't live in sorrow forever.

The New York Times

Like sisters in sorrow and triumphs.

The New Yorker

Let this child live in sorrow.

The New Yorker

First, in sorrow and anger.

The New York Times

I am drowning in sorrow.

The Guardian - Books

No, she answers in sorrow.

The New York Times - Books

The poetry of exile begins in sorrow.

The New York Times - Books

Some came in sorrow, some in solidarity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even the criticism of Rumsfeld and Cheney is of the more-in-sorrow-than-in-anger variety.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing it with synonyms like "in sadness" or "in grief" if the context requires a more common or intense expression, respectively.

Common error

Avoid using "in sorrow" in casual or lighthearted situations. It is a phrase that conveys a significant degree of sadness and is best reserved for contexts where such emotion is genuinely present and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in sorrow" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct. For example, "They mourned in sorrow".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Books

9%

Lifestyle

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in sorrow" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey deep sadness or grief. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner of an action, often evoking empathy or highlighting the weight of loss. While "in sorrow" is more formal than everyday expressions, it commonly appears in news, media, and literature. For less formal contexts, alternatives such as "in sadness" or "in grief" may be more appropriate. Using "in sorrow" effectively requires understanding its level of formality and emotional weight to ensure it aligns with the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in sadness

Replaces "sorrow" with a more common synonym, slightly reducing the intensity of the emotion.

in grief

Emphasizes a deeper, more profound sense of loss and mourning.

in mourning

Focuses specifically on the act and period of grieving, often after a death.

with sadness

A more straightforward expression of feeling sad, less formal than "in sorrow".

with grief

Similar to "in grief", highlighting the intense emotional suffering.

plunged in grief

Implies a sudden and overwhelming experience of grief.

filled with sorrow

Emphasizes the encompassing nature of the sorrow.

overcome by grief

Suggests being overpowered by the feeling of grief.

laden with sorrow

Describes a state of being heavily burdened by sorrow.

grieving

Describes a progressive state of suffering with a nuance to pain, instead of the state of feeling pain

FAQs

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

You can use "in sorrow" to describe a state of deep sadness or mourning. For example, "The community gathered "in sorrow" after the tragic event".

What are some alternatives to "in sorrow"?

Some alternatives include "in sadness", "in grief", or "in mourning depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey".

Is it more appropriate to say "in sorrow" or "with sorrow"?

"In sorrow" is generally preferred for describing a state or condition, while "with sorrow" might be used to describe an action performed with a feeling of sorrow. Both are grammatically correct, but "in sorrow" is more common.

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

"In sorrow" suggests a deeper, more profound sense of grief and loss compared to "in sadness", which is a more general expression of feeling sad.