in such despair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in such despair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of deep sadness or hopelessness in various contexts, often to convey strong emotions. Example: "After losing her job and facing personal challenges, she found herself in such despair that she struggled to get out of bed each morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

You would be in such despair.

The New York Times

Another father was in such despair that he was incapable of sleep and just incapable when awake.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I understand it better now," she said of her father's death, "but it makes me both furious and agonized that he was in such despair".

The New York Times

The match announcer who had started off in such high spirits dutifully did his job, but as each Argentina goal went in he sounded so deflated and in such despair that you feared for him.

The Guardian - Sport

Every time I drive by the white Tudor house with red trim and a picket fence, I think about how a person could have found himself in such despair that he was willing to sever what psychologists call his social contract, his connection with the human race.

The New York Times

Mr Brady says many Tories are in such despair about the EU that they want to get out and that "radical reform" is now "a vital national interest".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Although in 1945 the world Jewish community, decimated and horrified by the Holocaust, felt in danger of disappearing, there appeared to be no such despair in the last quarter of the century, when there was an expectation that Jewish communal feeling would remain strong especially, for many or most Jews, in light of the existence of the State of Israel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Suspects who confess falsely accept the story told by their interrogators because they have lost confidence in their own recollections or reached such despair that they will say anything to make the questioning stop.

The New York Times

This is the moral crisis of the bright adolescent, and Mr. Manson's hard music, alternately soporific and purgative, lets fans dwell in such green despair and then scream it out.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was a junior in college, and I remember hearing about it and just feeling such despair," she said.

The New York Times

Such despair is not new.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in such despair", ensure that the context provides sufficient background to justify the intensity of the emotion. Avoid using it gratuitously, as this can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid pairing "in such despair" with redundant intensifiers like "utterly" or "absolutely". The phrase itself already conveys a high degree of emotional intensity; adding further emphasis can sound melodramatic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in such despair" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, typically describing the state or condition of a person or entity. It intensifies the feeling of hopelessness, emphasizing the depth of their emotional state. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in such despair" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a deep sense of hopelessness and sadness. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid melodrama. It appears more frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a formal yet emotionally evocative register. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "in utter hopelessness" or "in profound anguish" to vary your expression while maintaining the intended intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in utter hopelessness

Directly highlights the complete lack of hope.

overwhelmed by despair

Emphasizes the feeling of being consumed and burdened by hopelessness.

in extreme despondency

Refers to a state of low spirits and discouragement.

in profound anguish

Emphasizes the intense suffering and pain experienced.

in complete desperation

Stresses the urgency and frantic nature of the situation.

in deep sorrow

Focuses more on grief and sadness rather than hopelessness.

in deep dejection

Highlights a feeling of sadness and low spirits, often after disappointment.

consumed by grief

Highlights the overpowering nature of sorrow and loss.

lost in sorrow

Focuses on the feeling of being completely immersed in sadness.

plunged into sadness

Implies a sudden and dramatic descent into a state of sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "in such despair" in a sentence?

You can use "in such despair" to describe someone's emotional state, for example: "After losing everything, he was "in such despair" that he couldn't function."

What are some alternatives to "in such despair"?

Some alternatives include "in deep sorrow", "in profound anguish", or "in utter hopelessness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in such despair"?

Yes, the phrase "in such despair" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a state of extreme sadness or hopelessness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in such despair"?

It's appropriate to use "in such despair" when you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of someone's hopelessness or sadness, typically in situations involving significant loss, trauma, or disappointment.