intense sadness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense sadness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a deep and overwhelming feeling of sorrow or grief. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, I was engulfed in intense sadness that lingered for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Intense sadness mingled with the anger.

The Guardian

It was a period of intense sadness and some withdrawal.

The New York Times

Any industrial action is made of highs and lows, moments of intense sadness and intense laughter.

The Guardian - Film

There is an intense sadness to this film, but glorious sweetness and tenderness, too.

The Guardian - Film

Laughter, excitement, intense sadness or strong emotions of almost any kind can set him off.

The Guardian

A constant pain that varies from sheer agony to a dull ache of intense sadness (on a "good" day).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In evaluating children with behavioral or emotional problems, we sometimes forget that youngsters may experience intense unhappiness, sadness, worry and anger that are an appropriate, understandable response to the reality of their lives.

The New York Times

10 G Manzu Portrait of Oskar Kokoschka (1969) The modelling of the clay is quite sensuous, and then when you look at the hard lines on the forehead, and in the hair, there's a real contrast; you realise the face is intense with sadness.

The Guardian - Arts

Most patients with a serious illness experience periods of intense situational sadness and anxiety accompanied by depressive symptoms.

BMC Palliative Care

Depression is a medical term that describes intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

The Guardian

He has obviously drawn on some of this to fill his books with the intense happiness or sadness that he has always been able to convey".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense sadness" to convey a strong emotional experience, particularly when describing feelings related to loss, grief, or disappointment. Be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the severity of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "intense sadness" to describe mild disappointment or everyday setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant emotional distress. Use a more appropriate description like "slight disappointment" or "minor frustration" when the situation does not warrant the strong emotional weight of "intense sadness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense sadness" functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "sadness". It is commonly used to describe a state of profound sorrow or grief. According to Ludwig, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense sadness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a strong feeling of sorrow or grief. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is important to use it appropriately and avoid overusing it in situations where the level of sadness is not severe. Consider using alternatives like "profound sorrow" or "deep grief" to add nuance. Remember to avoid common errors such as describing everyday disappointments as "intense sadness". This phrase effectively conveys a profound emotional state when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound sorrow

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the sadness.

deep grief

Focuses on sadness experienced after a loss.

extreme sorrow

Highlights the extremity of the sadness.

acute grief

Emphasizes the sharpness and intensity of the grief experience.

overwhelming grief

Focuses on the feeling of being overcome by sadness.

deep despondency

Indicates a state of low spirits and hopelessness.

unmitigated sorrow

Highlights the lack of relief from the sadness.

consuming sadness

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the sadness.

heartrending grief

Stresses the emotional pain and distress caused by the sadness.

crushing despair

Focuses on the hopelessness and loss of spirit associated with the sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense sadness" to describe a powerful feeling of sorrow or grief, such as, "The news of her passing filled him with "intense sadness"."

What are some alternatives to "intense sadness"?

Alternatives include "profound sorrow", "deep grief", or "extreme sorrow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intense sadness" to describe mild disappointment?

No, "intense sadness" is more appropriate for situations involving significant loss or grief. For mild disappointment, consider phrases like "slight disappointment" or "minor frustration".

What's the difference between "intense sadness" and "mild sadness"?

"Intense sadness" describes a very strong and overwhelming feeling of sorrow, while "mild sadness" refers to a lighter, less severe feeling of unhappiness.