is really heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is really heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or event that causes sadness and sorrow. For example, "The story of the homeless family struggling to make ends meet is really heartbreaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It is really heartbreaking, actually".

The New York Times

This is really heartbreaking to watch.

The New York Times

"The first impression is really heartbreaking.

The Guardian

But as soon as a child dies – and that is really heartbreaking – it hits every headline.

The Guardian

Speaking on Monday evening from inside Madaya, Pawel Krzysiek, a Red Cross spokesman, said: "The first impression is really heartbreaking.

The Guardian

"The stuff with the sons is really heartbreaking, and some people were pretty angry about it, as they think it really tarnished his image".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That was really heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Books

It's really heartbreaking.

The New York Times - Arts

"And that was really heartbreaking and deflating for some of them.

The New York Times

The sophomore defender Brandi Phillips said that forcing out Coach Lisa Howe was "really heartbreaking".

The New York Times - Sports

"She's a lovely lady and a lovely girl, and when I saw her in tears it was really heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is really heartbreaking", consider the audience and context. Ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the gravity of the situation to avoid being perceived as overly dramatic or insensitive. Use it to genuinely convey sympathy or sorrow.

Common error

Avoid using "is really heartbreaking" for trivial matters. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your communication seem insincere. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke deep sadness or empathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is really heartbreaking" primarily functions as a subject complement, where "is" serves as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective phrase "really heartbreaking". This structure attributes a quality or characteristic (heartbreaking) to the subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is really heartbreaking" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe situations that evoke strong feelings of sadness or sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for conveying empathy and sympathy. While the phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as in more formal business contexts, it's crucial to use it judiciously, reserving it for genuinely distressing situations to maintain sincerity. Alternatives such as "is deeply saddening" or "is truly tragic" can provide nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Ultimately, this expression serves to connect emotionally with an audience, acknowledging and sharing in their distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is deeply saddening

Emphasizes the profound emotional impact, suggesting a more intense level of sorrow than the original phrase.

is truly tragic

Highlights the calamitous nature of the situation, focusing on the severity and misfortune involved.

is profoundly upsetting

Focuses on the emotional disturbance and distress caused by the situation.

is exceptionally distressing

Suggests a high degree of anxiety and suffering, indicating a more severe emotional response.

is genuinely regrettable

Emphasizes the feeling of sorrow and remorse, highlighting the unfortunate nature of the event.

is awfully unfortunate

Focuses on the bad luck and unfavorable circumstances surrounding the situation.

is immensely disheartening

Highlights the loss of hope and discouragement caused by the situation.

is quite grievous

Indicates a serious and severe nature of sorrow, implying a weighty emotional burden.

is terribly sorrowful

Directly expresses a feeling of sadness and grief, focusing on the emotional pain experienced.

is incredibly painful

Emphasizes the emotional hurt and suffering caused by the situation, suggesting a deeply personal impact.

FAQs

How can I use "is really heartbreaking" in a sentence?

You can use "is really heartbreaking" to describe situations that evoke strong feelings of sadness or sorrow. For example, "The news of the natural disaster "is really heartbreaking"".

What are some alternatives to "is really heartbreaking"?

Alternatives include "is deeply saddening", "is truly tragic", or "is profoundly upsetting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is really heartbreaking"?

It's appropriate to use "is really heartbreaking" when describing events or situations that cause significant emotional distress or sadness. It is best used when a situation invokes empathy and sorrow.

Is there a difference between "is heartbreaking" and "is really heartbreaking"?

While both phrases convey sadness, "is really heartbreaking" intensifies the emotion. The addition of "really" emphasizes the depth of sorrow or empathy felt.