intense sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep and profound feeling of sadness or grief. Example: "After the loss of her beloved pet, she was overwhelmed by intense sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The intense sorrow I felt took my breath away, and I needed all my strength not to break down sobbing.

The New York Times

'I look at those young trees as they mature and feel such intense sorrow that those young men never got the chance to grow old,' said Mr Keys.

The Guardian

In their combination of intense sorrow with chipper uplift, these stories feel like what you might expect from the "Time of Death" production company, Magical Elves, which is better known for reality shows like "Project Runway" and "Top Chef".

The New York Times - Arts

If Annabel (Mia Wasikowska), who is dying of a brain tumor, suffers any anguish, terror or even intense sorrow about her fate, we do not see it on screen.

The New York Times

It doesn't just bear witness to moments of joy and to times of intense sorrow.

Vice

They are tears of a deep, intense sorrow like none other.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Ms. Rioja, who is dressed in a simple, long dull red ruffled dress, alternates between intense earthbound sorrow and airier hope in her evocation of Yerma's barren wife.

The New York Times - Arts

But "The Inhabited World" is the kind of sad story that Long has been telling for more than 20 years now, in three collections of short fiction and two previous novels: a tale of everyday, getting-by existence in America, where joys can be sudden and painfully intense, and sorrows can be, too, and the trick is not to let the blues get the better of you.

The New York Times - Books

Even at age 48, I continue to have times of intense pain and sorrow due to my parents' divorce.

The New York Times

The legacy of Pope John Paul II will be one of remarkable holiness, fortitude, faith and hope in a time of intense suffering and sorrow.

The New York Times

"His untimely death has been deeply felt by his family, friends and colleagues who mourn his passing with a sense of intense loss and sorrow," the company said in a statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intense sorrow", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the sorrow to enhance the emotional impact and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether the sorrow stems from loss, regret, or another source.

Common error

Avoid using "intense sorrow" in situations that do not warrant such a strong emotional response. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Choose more nuanced language to match the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense sorrow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "intense" modifies the noun "sorrow". It describes a state of deep and profound sadness. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, which aligns with its appearance in numerous reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense sorrow" is a grammatically sound and emotionally evocative phrase used to describe a profound feeling of sadness or grief. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not the most common expression, it appears in reliable sources, predominantly in the News & Media category. When using "intense sorrow", consider the context to ensure it appropriately reflects the depth of emotion being conveyed. Alternatives such as "deep grief" or "profound sadness" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep grief

Focuses more on the profound feeling of loss and bereavement.

profound sadness

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the sadness experienced.

acute grief

Highlights the sharp, piercing nature of the sorrow.

deep anguish

Implies a more distressed and tormented state of sorrow.

bitter regret

Links sorrow with feelings of remorse and disappointment.

crushing despair

Conveys a sense of overwhelming hopelessness and sorrow.

heartfelt grief

Highlights the genuine and sincere nature of the sorrow.

unbearable sadness

Emphasizes the overwhelming and difficult to endure aspect of the sorrow.

extreme remorse

Links sorrow to a profound sense of guilt and regret.

agonizing pain

Highlights the distressful nature of the sorrow. The focus is on physical sensation, which can be the result of "intense sorrow".

FAQs

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

You can use "intense sorrow" to describe a profound feeling of sadness or grief. For example, "The news of her passing filled him with "intense sorrow"".

What phrases are similar to "intense sorrow"?

Alternatives to "intense sorrow" include "deep grief", "profound sadness", or "acute grief", each conveying a strong sense of sadness.

Is it appropriate to use "intense sorrow" in formal writing?

Yes, "intense sorrow" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant emotional distress, particularly in narratives, obituaries, or analyses of emotional states. Ensure the tone and context align with the gravity of the phrase.

What's the difference between "intense sorrow" and "slight sadness"?

"Intense sorrow" describes a deep and overwhelming feeling of grief, while "slight sadness" refers to a mild and less impactful feeling of unhappiness. The key difference lies in the degree of emotional impact.