mourn

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mourn" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb which means to feel or show deep sorrow or regret for something that has happened and can't be changed. Example sentence: She mourned the loss of her beloved cat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As everyone else started to mourn summer's loss, I found myself secretly willing it away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Related: Kenyan families mourn their best and brightest after Garissa attack Each tweet paints a powerful portrait of loss.

The Guardian

Kenyans on social media have also started to share details of a vigil "to remember and mourn the Kenyans who lost their lives", which will be held this evening in Uhuru Park, Nairobi.

The Guardian

Wright, whom only his family need mourn, is more interesting as a type: the man with a talent for fighting who can't adjust to the inevitability of eventual negotiations and the kind of peace, solid but tense, which Northern Ireland currently enjoys.

The Guardian

No one can call time on someone else's reaction by cheerily saying, "Don't mourn, organise" when it is no longer clear what the organising principles are.

The Guardian - Opinion

Grout's version of Baeed Anak is of particular interest in Egypt, where Umm Kulthum's popularity has barely dropped since her 40-year career in the middle of the 20th century and she remains a national hero – four million Egyptians reportedly took to the streets to mourn her death in 1975.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The Rugby League community will mourn his loss and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Danny's family and friends at this incredibly sad time.

The Guardian - Sport

The Labour Party lost with honour, he told his supporters, "Don't mourn this loss, organise for a win in the general election later this year".

The Guardian

The operation came as thousands rallied around Ukraine to mourn the civilian casualties of an attack last week that Kiev has blamed on the separatists.

The Guardian

I still mourn a tiny brown one that belonged to my mother, which I left in a pile of clothes in a club as a teenager.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But people mourn the loss of respect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mourn" to describe a period of grieving, whether personal or collective, such as a nation "mourning" a tragedy.

Common error

Avoid using "mourn" for minor disappointments or inconveniences. It is reserved for significant losses or deeply felt sadness.

Linguistic Context

Mourn functions primarily as a verb, expressing the act of feeling or showing deep sorrow or regret, typically for the death of someone. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing both personal and collective grieving processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mourn" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb to express deep sorrow, especially for a loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. It's commonly found in News & Media, formal contexts, and even scientific discussions. While synonyms like "grieve", "lament", and "bemoan" offer alternative expressions, "mourn" is particularly suited for describing periods of grieving or significant losses. Remember to avoid using "mourn" for trivial situations to maintain its impact. This analysis draws from numerous examples in Ludwig, demonstrating real-world usage from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grieve

A more general term for experiencing sorrow, often used interchangeably with "mourn".

grieve over

Specifically indicates feeling sorrow for something or someone.

sorrow

A general term for sadness or grief, often used to describe an emotional state.

lament

Implies a more demonstrative expression of grief, often involving outward signs of sorrow.

feel sorrow for

A more descriptive way of expressing sympathy or sadness for someone's misfortune.

weep

Involves crying as an expression of sadness or grief.

express grief

Highlights the outward expression of sadness or sorrow.

bemoan

Suggests expressing sorrow or disapproval, often with a sense of complaint.

deplore

Indicates strong disapproval and regret, often used in formal contexts.

rue

Expresses regret or sorrow, often for something one has done or failed to do.

FAQs

How to use "mourn" in a sentence?

"Mourn" is used to express deep sorrow or regret, typically for a death or significant loss. For example, "The nation mourned the loss of its leader."

What can I say instead of "mourn"?

You can use alternatives like "grieve", "lament", or "bemoan" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "mourn the loss" or "mourn for the loss"?

"Mourn the loss" is more common and grammatically preferred. While "mourn for the loss" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used.

What's the difference between "mourn" and "grieve"?

While both words express sadness, "mourn" often implies a more public or formal expression of sorrow, whereas "grieve" is a more general term for experiencing sorrow.