it was heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it was heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event that made you feel an intense emotion, such as sadness. Example sentence: When I heard the news of my friend moving away, it was heartbreaking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Milian said in an interview, "it was heartbreaking for me.

Wikipedia

It was heartbreaking.

Stanford University

It was heartbreaking.

The New York Times

"And it was heartbreaking".

The New York Times

It was heartbreaking to watch.

The New Yorker

It was heartbreaking to read.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It is heartbreaking stuff.

The Guardian - Business

It is heartbreaking reading.

The Guardian

"But it's heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Holly Wall-E... it's heartbreaking.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's heartbreaking for her".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was heartbreaking" to express genuine sorrow or empathy for a situation or event. This phrase is most effective when describing personal experiences or witnessing the suffering of others.

Common error

Avoid using "it was heartbreaking" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, try varying your language with synonyms like "it was devastating" or "it was deeply saddening" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was heartbreaking" functions as a subjective expression of emotional response. It predicates the subject ('it') with a state of being profoundly sad or distressing, as supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was heartbreaking" is a common and grammatically correct way to express deep sorrow or empathy. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its wide applicability. While the phrase is versatile, consider varying your language with alternatives like "it was devastating" or "it was deeply saddening" to maintain impact. Ludwig suggests that "it was heartbreaking" functions as a subjective expression of emotional response, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was devastating

Emphasizes a more destructive and impactful sense of heartbreak.

it was deeply saddening

Highlights the profound sadness evoked by the situation.

it was crushing

Suggests an overwhelming and demoralizing experience.

it was a painful experience

Focuses on the emotional pain and suffering caused.

it was tragic

Emphasizes the unfortunate and often irreversible nature of the event.

it was disheartening

Highlights the loss of hope and enthusiasm.

it was regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of wishing things had turned out differently.

it was upsetting

Emphasizes the feeling of being disturbed or bothered.

it was a source of grief

Highlights the deep sorrow and mourning associated with the event.

it was a bitter pill to swallow

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting or enduring something unpleasant.

FAQs

What does "it was heartbreaking" mean?

The phrase "it was heartbreaking" describes something that caused intense sadness, grief, or emotional pain. It suggests that the event or situation was profoundly upsetting.

How can I use "it was heartbreaking" in a sentence?

You can use "it was heartbreaking" to describe a personal experience or something you witnessed. For example, "It was heartbreaking to watch the refugees arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was heartbreaking"?

You can use alternatives like "it was devastating", "it was deeply saddening", or "it was crushing" depending on the context and intensity you want to convey.

Is "it was heartbreaking" formal or informal?

"It was heartbreaking" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in very formal or professional settings, you might consider more nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.