more heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the emotional impact of two or more situations, events, or experiences that evoke sadness or distress. Example: "The news of the tragedy was more heartbreaking than I could have ever imagined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lacey's winning openness makes Emily's death even more heartbreaking.

The New Yorker

It's even more Joycean than "Kane," and even more heartbreaking.

The New Yorker

In the show's heightened world, the ordinary injuries of family life become more heartbreaking.

The New Yorker

Intolerant of falsity and pretension, she's as pragmatic as Mother Courage and an ocean more heartbreaking.

The Guardian

Eva's Kim made things happen for her, fiercely fighting against her plight, making her endgame even more heartbreaking.

The Guardian

"But the end of the book, in which she sits rocking alone in her room many years later, is even more heartbreaking.

The New York Times - Books

Greene's book is equally deserving--beautiful, skillful, and even more heartbreaking.

Huffington Post

It's functional music and a dancefloor isn't a space for reflection - which makes "Tessio" even more heartbreaking.

Vice

It doesn't get much more heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Film

Visit Stoneledge's Web site for more (heartbreaking) photos and information.

The New York Times

"It is even more heartbreaking how valiantly my husband fought with so little".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more heartbreaking", ensure that you're making a clear comparison. What is it more heartbreaking than? Providing this context strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "more heartbreaking" excessively in overly sentimental or melodramatic writing. Subtler language can often be more effective in conveying deep emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more heartbreaking" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun by indicating a greater degree of emotional distress or sorrow. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more heartbreaking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase that effectively conveys a greater degree of emotional distress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application in News & Media and its strength lies in providing a clear comparison between emotionally impactful situations. When employing this phrase, remember to provide context for the comparison and avoid overuse in overly sentimental writing. Alternatives such as "even more tragic" or "even sadder" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more tragic

This alternative replaces "heartbreaking" with "tragic" emphasizing the severity of the situation.

even sadder

This alternative simplifies the phrase, using a more common and direct term for sadness.

increasingly devastating

This emphasizes the escalating nature of the emotional impact.

all the more painful

This alternative focuses on the painful emotional experience.

still more distressing

This conveys a higher level of anxiety and sorrow.

even more grievous

This alternative uses a more formal and intense term for sorrow.

even more sorrowful

Similar to 'even sadder' but carries a slightly more formal tone.

more emotionally affecting

Focuses on the emotional impact and effect the situation has.

more profoundly upsetting

Highlights the deep and disturbing nature of the situation.

further distressing

This indicates additional distress or suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "more heartbreaking" in a sentence?

You can use "more heartbreaking" to compare two situations or events, indicating that one is more emotionally distressing than the other. For example, "The news of the layoffs was "more heartbreaking" than we anticipated".

What are some alternatives to "more heartbreaking"?

Alternatives include "even more tragic", "even sadder", or "increasingly devastating", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more heartbreaking"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "More" is used to form the comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs, and "heartbreaking" is a valid adjective.

Which is correct, "heartbreaking" or "heart-breaking"?

"Heartbreaking" is the more common and generally preferred form. "Heart-breaking" is also acceptable but less frequently used. The meaning remains the same.