saddened by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'saddened by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something has caused grief or disappointment. For example, "She was saddened by the news that her grandmother had passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're depressed, saddened by reality.

The New York Times

I'm deeply saddened by that.

Independent

"Saddened by Federal Council vote today".

The New York Times

"Saddened by it.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're greatly saddened by his death".

The New York Times

I was very saddened by it.

The New York Times

"We are deeply saddened by this loss.

Independent

"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy".

The New York Times - Tech

"Sure, I'm saddened by this," Sterling said.

The New Yorker

"I'm very saddened by this," he said.

The New York Times

We are deeply saddened by his death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "saddened by" to express empathy or understanding when acknowledging someone else's misfortune or disappointment.

Common error

Avoid using "saddened by" when a stronger emotion like grief or devastation is more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes understate the gravity of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "saddened by" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, expressing a feeling of sorrow or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to indicate that someone or something has caused a state of sadness. The examples provided by Ludwig show various contexts where this phrase effectively conveys empathetic reactions to news or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "saddened by" is a versatile phrase used to express feelings of sorrow or disappointment, most commonly found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. When using this phrase, consider the depth of emotion you wish to convey and ensure it aligns with the situation's gravity. While "saddened by" effectively communicates empathy, stronger emotions might be more appropriate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disheartened by

Replaces "saddened" with "disheartened", emphasizing a loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

disappointed by

Focuses on the feeling of unmet expectations, rather than pure sadness.

grieved by

Implies a deeper sorrow, often associated with loss.

made sorrowful by

Uses a more descriptive and slightly more formal tone.

left despondent by

Suggests a state of low spirits and hopelessness.

upset by

Indicates a feeling of distress or annoyance.

distressed by

Highlights a feeling of anxiety and suffering.

pained by

Emphasizes emotional or mental suffering.

affected by sorrow

A more literal and descriptive alternative.

touched by sadness

Focuses on the feeling of being moved by sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "saddened by" in a sentence?

You can use "saddened by" to express feelings of sorrow or disappointment caused by something. For example, "I was "saddened by" the news of the factory closure".

What's a more formal alternative to "saddened by"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "grieved by" or "disheartened by". For instance, "The board was "disheartened by" the quarterly losses".

Is there a difference between "saddened by" and "disappointed by"?

"Saddened by" implies a feeling of sorrow or grief, while "disappointed by" focuses more on unmet expectations. You might be "saddened by" the loss of a loved one and "disappointed by" the cancellation of a vacation.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to say "saddened by"?

It's appropriate to use "saddened by" when reacting to unfortunate news, expressing sympathy, or acknowledging a disappointing outcome. For example, "We are "saddened by" the recent events".