lament for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lament for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a spoken or written expression of sadness or sorrow about something. For example, "The crowd sang a lament for the fallen heroes of the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a familiar lament for Sennett.

The New Yorker

That's been the theatergoer's lament for decades.

The New York Times

His lament for a lost golden age is also a lament for his own misspent past.

The Guardian - Books

Many saw "Jerusalem" as a lament for times past.

The Economist

Dickson then sang a lament for a warrior.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His book is a kind of lament for its failures.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lament for the softened and confused modern male.

The New York Times - Books

Army trumpeteers played a lament for the victims.

The Guardian

And then theres a lament for whats lost.

The New York Times - Arts

Boyce has made a lament for that dream.

The Guardian

It was a lament for a lost age.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "lament for" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to highlight the contrast between a past ideal and a present reality, enriching the emotional depth of your writing.

Common error

While "lament for" is grammatically correct, it carries a formal and somewhat literary tone. Avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, where simpler expressions of regret or sadness might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lament for" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically follows a noun or verb, adding a layer of sorrowful or regretful context. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it expresses sadness about something lost or past. For example, "a lament for times past" or "a lament for a lost son."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lament for" is a prepositional phrase used to express sorrow or regret, often in a formal or reflective context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalent use in various forms of media and academic writing. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the tone of your writing and avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives such as "mourn the loss of" or "deplore the state of" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase's frequent appearance in news articles and academic papers underscores its importance in discussing loss and decline in a thoughtful, articulate manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grieve over

A simple and direct way to express sorrow, often used for personal losses.

mourn the loss of

Focuses on the act of mourning, emphasizing the feeling of grief over a loss.

weep for

Emphasizes the outward expression of sorrow through tears.

bemoan the fate of

Highlights the expression of sorrow specifically related to someone's or something's destiny.

cry over

Implies shedding tears because of some sorrowful event or situation.

deplore the state of

Emphasizes disapproval and regret regarding a current condition or situation.

express sorrow for

A formal way to state one's sadness or grief over a particular event or situation.

regret deeply

Focuses on the feeling of remorse or sorrow for something that has happened or a decision made.

keen for

An archaic term for expressing grief, implying a more intense and vocal sorrow.

rue the day

Expresses bitter regret, usually for something that initiated a series of unfortunate events.

FAQs

How can I use "lament for" in a sentence?

You can use "lament for" to express sorrow or regret over something lost or past, such as "She wrote a poem that was a "lament for" her childhood home" or "The article was a "lament for" the decline of traditional craftsmanship".

What are some alternatives to "lament for"?

Alternatives include "mourn the loss of", "bemoan the fate of", or "deplore the state of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "lament for" formal or informal?

"Lament for" is generally considered a formal expression, often found in literary or journalistic contexts. Simpler phrases are more suitable for everyday conversation.

Can "lament for" be used in a positive context?

No, "lament for" inherently carries a negative connotation. It expresses sorrow, regret, or mourning, making it unsuitable for positive or celebratory contexts.