profound sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

"profound sorrow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express intense grief. For example, "After his father passed away, he felt a profound sorrow that he never thought possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

In profound sorrow we announce the death of Former Hon.

The New York Times

GREENBERG--Gertrude. We note with profound sorrow the loss of our beloved "Mother Gertrude".

The New York Times

The Jewish Community Center of Harrison announces with profound sorrow the loss of our esteemed member.

The New York Times

With profound sorrow Temple Am Echad notes the passing of our cherished former Rabbi.

The New York Times

Central Synagogue records with profound sorrow the passing of its member, Amos Ilan.

The New York Times

With profound sorrow, Sarah Lawrence College mourns the loss of President Emerita Alice Stone Ilchman.

The New York Times

With profound sorrow, the Sekler Family mourns the passing of Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch.

The New York Times

Central Synagogue records with profound sorrow the passing of its member, Dr. Leonard Katz.

The New York Times

It is with profound sorrow that we note the passing of Ray Petersen.

The New York Times

With profound sorrow we mourn the loss of our dear friend Bill.

The New York Times

Central Synagogue records with profound sorrow the passing of its member.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound sorrow" to convey a deep and significant sense of sadness, often in formal contexts such as obituaries or announcements of loss.

Common error

Avoid using "profound sorrow" in everyday conversation or casual writing; opt for simpler phrases like "deeply saddened" or "very sorry" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound sorrow" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object of a verb or within a prepositional phrase. It serves to express deep sadness or grief, often in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profound sorrow" is a phrase used to express deep sadness or grief, commonly found in formal contexts like obituaries and official announcements. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. While alternatives such as "deep grief" or "intense sadness" exist, "profound sorrow" carries a particular weight suited for serious occasions. Its prevalence in news and media sources underscores its role in conveying significant emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep grief

This alternative uses "grief" instead of "sorrow", suggesting a more intense emotional suffering.

intense sadness

This alternative replaces "profound sorrow" with a more direct expression of strong sadness.

heartfelt grief

Emphasizes the sincerity and depth of grief experienced.

overwhelming sadness

Focuses on the overpowering nature of the sorrow.

deepest regret

This phrase emphasizes remorse alongside sorrow, implying a sense of responsibility or loss.

agonizing sadness

Highlights the painful and torturous nature of the sadness.

unyielding grief

Suggests a persistent and unrelenting state of grief.

extreme distress

This conveys a sense of anguish and suffering, broadening the scope of emotion beyond just sorrow.

bitter grief

Implies a sorrow tinged with resentment or pain.

crushing despair

Focuses on the hopelessness associated with profound sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "profound sorrow" in a sentence?

"Profound sorrow" is typically used in formal announcements of loss or to express deep sympathy. For instance, "The organization expresses its "profound sorrow" at the passing of its founder."

What are some alternatives to saying "profound sorrow"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "deep grief", "intense sadness", or "deepest regret".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "profound sorrow"?

The phrase "profound sorrow" is best suited for formal situations such as obituaries, memorial services, or official statements where a deep sense of loss is being communicated.

Is "profound sorrow" the same as "deep sadness"?

While both phrases convey a strong sense of sadness, "profound sorrow" implies a more intense and significant level of grief than "deep sadness". The choice depends on the degree of emotion you wish to express.