real sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe genuine feelings of sadness or grief in various contexts, such as literature, personal reflections, or discussions about emotions. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, I felt a deep and real sorrow that I couldn't shake off for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There's real sorrow and pathos there.

The Guardian

It seems impossible to discuss real sorrow without the element of time.

The New Yorker

That it didn't work out was and remains a real sorrow to me.

The Guardian

Mr. Abbas said he offered "my real sorrow" to the families of the victims.

The New York Times

However charmed that life may be, it is not immune to real sorrow.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a death blow to Isadora: "When real sorrow is encountered there is for the stricken no gesture, no expression.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

One might be tempted to reduce 45 Years to an unlikely Mike Leigh reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca, but the off-screen Alpine subplot works well to magnify the film's otherwise clinical and too-vivid realism, and in turn, that realism's too-real sorrow.

Vice

There was real shock here at what happened and I think that turned into real grief and sorrow".

The Guardian

5. Be real with sorrow.

HuffPost

Ryan's younger sister Shannon said she was surprised both by the number of supporters that attended the funeral, and by the "outgrowth of real, honest sorrow".

Wikipedia

At Silencio "Betty's" existence and performance are exposed as beautiful illusions which mask real-life sorrows.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional experiences, use “real sorrow” to convey the genuineness and depth of the feeling, distinguishing it from superficial sadness or feigned emotion.

Common error

Avoid using “real sorrow” to describe overly dramatic or theatrical expressions of sadness. Ensure the context accurately reflects a genuine and deeply felt emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real sorrow" functions as a noun phrase, where 'real' modifies 'sorrow'. It describes a tangible and genuine feeling of sadness or grief. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples illustrating its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "real sorrow" is a phrase used to describe a genuine and deeply felt feeling of sadness or grief. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "genuine sadness" or "true grief" can be used, "real sorrow" emphasizes the authenticity of the emotion. When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a deeply felt and genuine emotion, avoiding overly dramatic or theatrical displays. Its neutral register allows for broad applicability, making it a versatile choice for expressing sincere sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine sadness

Emphasizes the authenticity of the sadness experienced.

unfeigned sorrow

Indicates that the sorrow is authentic and not pretended.

true grief

Highlights the depth and intensity of the sorrow.

actual grief

Focuses on the reality and tangibility of the grief.

profound sadness

Highlights the extent and significance of the sadness.

palpable sorrow

Emphasizes that the sorrow is easily perceived or felt by others.

deep anguish

Conveys a sense of profound suffering and emotional pain.

heartfelt grief

Stresses the genuine and emotional nature of the grief.

sincere remorse

Indicates sorrow combined with regret for one's actions.

bitter regret

Highlights the intensity and unpleasantness of the regret.

FAQs

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

You can use "real sorrow" to describe a genuine feeling of grief or sadness. For example: "The news of the loss filled her with "real sorrow"".

What can I say instead of "real sorrow"?

You can use alternatives like "genuine sadness", "true grief", or "deep anguish" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "real sorrow" and "deep sadness"?

While both phrases describe profound sadness, "real sorrow" emphasizes the authenticity and genuineness of the emotion, whereas "deep sadness" simply highlights the intensity of the feeling.

When is it appropriate to use "real sorrow" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "real sorrow" when you want to emphasize the genuineness and depth of the sadness being experienced, particularly in contexts where the authenticity of the emotion might be questioned or needs to be highlighted.