intense grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep and overwhelming feeling of sorrow, often in the context of loss or mourning. Example: "After the sudden passing of her father, she was engulfed in intense grief that seemed to overshadow everything else in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Even at their moments of most intense grief, Cohen does not allow her characters to plunge into self-pity.

The New York Times - Books

It's like when you experience intense grief — you often have the deepest insights because the dead wood's been cleared out.

The New Yorker

Peaches and John were bright, talented young people and their deaths brought intense grief to all who loved them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, most recently bereaved individuals don't meet full criteria for major depression, though intense grief may be hard to distinguish from depression.

The New York Times

Becoming a parent, she said, forced her to confront the "intense grief" that came with knowing her mother and her daughter would never meet.

The New York Times - Books

I felt relief that after those first few minutes of intense grief, I was finally overcome with love, happiness and pride.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Every day in the funeral home is intense: new grief, new sadness, new violent death.

Independent

In a moment of intense personal grief, will I discover that the person elected to probate my husband's will finds our marriage objectionable and his will invalid?

Huffington Post

What we are entered into thereafter is the author's intense mourning, grief, in the midst of which she pieces together a collage-like inquisition of her parent's death by aneurysm.

Vice

Our friend had suffered from an intense year of grief, nightmares and depression.

The New York Times

It's the intense atmosphere of grief that stays with you.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intense grief", consider the context and audience. Ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone and doesn't come across as overly dramatic or insensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "intense grief" in situations where the level of sadness doesn't warrant such strong language. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Choose a more appropriate term if the situation calls for a milder expression of sorrow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense grief" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "grief". According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct to describe a strong feeling of sorrow. It often serves to highlight the depth and severity of the emotional experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense grief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a profound feeling of sorrow. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and acceptance in both formal and informal settings. When using "intense grief", it's important to consider the context to ensure the language is appropriate and impactful without being overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "profound sorrow" or "deep anguish" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be aware of the frequency of usage as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound sorrow

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the sorrow, similar to "intense grief" but potentially more formal.

deep anguish

Focuses on the mental or physical suffering caused by grief, highlighting the distress involved.

acute bereavement

Highlights the state of loss and the sharpness of the pain experienced, often used in clinical or formal contexts.

overwhelming sadness

Indicates the overpowering nature of the sadness, suggesting it's difficult to cope with.

consuming sorrow

Suggests that the sorrow dominates one's thoughts and emotions, taking over their life.

heartrending grief

Emphasizes the emotional pain and distress caused by the grief, often evoking a sense of pity.

severe mourning

Highlights the period of mourning and the intensity of the associated rituals or expressions of grief.

agonizing sorrow

Focuses on the painful and distressing aspects of the sorrow, emphasizing the torment experienced.

unbearable sadness

Suggests that the sadness is too difficult to endure, highlighting the extreme emotional burden.

crippling grief

Emphasizes the debilitating effect of the grief, suggesting it impairs one's ability to function normally.

FAQs

How can I use "intense grief" in a sentence?

You can use "intense grief" to describe a profound feeling of sorrow, such as "The family experienced "intense grief" after the unexpected loss."

What are some alternatives to "intense grief"?

Alternatives include "profound sorrow", "deep anguish", or "acute bereavement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intense grief" the same as "mild sadness"?

No, "intense grief" describes a much stronger and overwhelming emotion compared to "mild sadness". The former suggests a deep and profound sorrow, while the latter implies a lighter, less impactful feeling.

When is it appropriate to use the term "intense grief"?

"Intense grief" is appropriate when describing a situation involving significant loss or trauma, where the emotional response is exceptionally strong and overwhelming. For example, it can accurately describe the reaction to the death of a loved one.