really heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong emotional response to a situation or event that causes deep sadness or distress. Example: "The news of the tragedy was really heartbreaking for everyone in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That was really heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Books

It's really heartbreaking.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is really heartbreaking, actually".

The New York Times

"The first impression is really heartbreaking.

The Guardian

At times, it was really, really heartbreaking".

The Guardian

"It's really heartbreaking to see the situation of the people.

The Guardian

"And that was really heartbreaking and deflating for some of them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A lot of them had a really crap time of it, and in places it's really quite heartbreaking.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It really is heartbreaking".

BBC

"It's really is heartbreaking.

Huffington Post

"The kind of grief that Valerie's dealing with is a really complicated, heartbreaking one," Harte says.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "devastating" or "tragic" for increased impact, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "really heartbreaking" too frequently in casual conversation, as it can diminish the phrase's impact. Opt for more nuanced expressions of sadness or disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really heartbreaking" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that evokes strong feelings of sadness or emotional pain. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really heartbreaking" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express feelings of deep sadness or distress. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it can also appear in more formal settings, though stronger or more nuanced synonyms may be preferred. When writing, it's best to reserve its use for situations that genuinely evoke empathy and avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Ludwig's analysis reveals that being mindful of the context and considering alternatives can enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly devastating

Emphasizes the destructive impact and profound shock of the situation.

absolutely devastating

Similar to "truly devastating" but may suggest a wider scope of impact.

deeply sorrowful

Highlights the intense feeling of sadness and grief.

profoundly upsetting

Highlights the significant emotional distress caused by the situation.

genuinely tragic

Focuses on the unfortunate and lamentable nature of the event.

exceptionally distressing

Emphasizes the severe level of anxiety and suffering involved.

utterly crushing

Implies a complete and overwhelming sense of emotional defeat.

terribly disheartening

Focuses on the loss of hope and enthusiasm resulting from the event.

grievously painful

Highlights the intense emotional anguish and suffering.

bitterly disappointing

Emphasizes the acute sense of letdown and frustration.

FAQs

What does "really heartbreaking" mean?

The phrase "really heartbreaking" describes something that causes deep sadness or emotional pain.

What can I say instead of "really heartbreaking"?

You can use alternatives like "truly devastating", "deeply sorrowful", or "genuinely tragic" depending on the context.

Is "really heartbreaking" too informal for professional writing?

While acceptable, "really heartbreaking" might be perceived as informal in some professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "profoundly upsetting" or "exceptionally distressing".

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

You can use "really heartbreaking" to describe news, events, or personal experiences that evoke sadness. For example: "The story of the refugees was really heartbreaking."