more sad

USAGE SUMMARY

"more sad" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is now sadder than before. For example, "After she heard the news, she became even more sad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Less angry, more sad.

The New York Times - Magazine

Several writers seemed more sad than angry.

The New York Times

We're much more sad and disappointed".

The Guardian

"I'm more sad than excited," she says.

The Guardian - Film

"And maybe there were more sad events than happy events".

The New Yorker

"The more sad the music, the better," he explained.

The New York Times

The prisoners looked more sad than fearsome, Diaz said.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's when I learned even more sad news.

The New York Times - Tech

Up close, it is more sad than sinister.

The New York Times - Travel

But what makes me more sad is that we talk about everything but soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

"Coming from another gay student, it's even more sad and troubling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more sad", consider the context and whether a stronger synonym like "sorrowful" or "heartbreaking" might be more impactful. "More sad" is suitable for general sadness, but specific situations may warrant more descriptive language.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "more sad" can sound simplistic in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "sorrowful", "melancholy", or "despondent" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more sad" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun by indicating a higher degree of sadness compared to a previous state or another entity. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing emotional states and situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more sad" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective phrase that effectively conveys an increased level of sadness. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, consider using "sadder" for conciseness. As highlighted by the numerous examples in Ludwig, it's frequently found in news and media sources, making it suitable for general and journalistic writing. While generally neutral in register, substituting with stronger, more descriptive synonyms may enhance impact in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sadder

This is a direct comparative of the adjective 'sad'.

more sorrowful

Replaces 'sad' with a synonym indicating deeper grief.

more depressing

Suggests a greater tendency to cause feelings of despondency.

more heartbreaking

Emphasizes the emotional pain caused by sadness.

more disheartening

Indicates a greater loss of enthusiasm or hope.

more regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of wishing something hadn't happened.

more unfortunate

Highlights the bad luck or negative circumstances.

more melancholy

Indicates a state of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.

increasingly despondent

Emphasizes a growing feeling of hopelessness and dejection.

more tragic

Implies a greater sense of loss and devastation.

FAQs

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

You can use "more sad" to indicate a comparative level of sadness. For example, "She was "more sad" after the movie than she expected."

What is a synonym for "more sad"?

Alternatives to "more sad" include "sadder", "more sorrowful", or "more disappointing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more sad"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "More" is used to form the comparative of adjectives, and "sad" is a valid adjective. However, consider whether "sadder" is a more concise alternative.

When should I use "more sad" instead of "sadder"?

While "sadder" is usually preferred for its brevity, "more sad" can be used for emphasis or when varying sentence structure. However, “sadder” is generally the "more appropriate" choice.