sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of deep distress or sadness, often in contexts related to loss or grief. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, a wave of sorrow washed over him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such is the affection for Stuart Pearce in these parts, the opprobrium of the Nottingham Forest supporters on the final whistle was muted and delivered as much in sorrow as in anger, but their patience with the manager must be wearing thin.

The Guardian - Sport

She recognised sorrow; recognition can be a form of healing.

The Guardian - Arts

Later, when she sent me the bill for her lingerie, which she claimed had ripped when she fell from the chair, I began feeling "pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow" for myself, especially when my wife found the Visa bill and was like, "Who the hell is Edna Sapperton?" Why is pathos useful?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, misery is detectable only in its works, and I manage to grasp something of the sorrow and bedlam that Jade has been through when I glimpse the old photograph of her.

The Guardian

Related: 'This is not the justice we seek': sorrow in Baltimore as grief turns into riots Street battles followed warnings from police chiefs that notorious gangs such as the Bloods and Crips had agreed to set aside differences and attempt to kill police officers.

The Guardian

Brian Binley, the Conservative MP for Northampton South, expressed sorrow and said he was calling for a public inquiry to find out what had happened.

The Guardian

Related: 'This is not the justice we seek': sorrow in Baltimore as grief turns into riots Occasionally interrupting himself to apologize to the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, who stood stoically beside him throughout the lecture, Obama said the question of Baltimore went beyond one of who was culpable for the death of Gray, or for the street violence that followed.

The Guardian

So, obviously, I was experiencing "pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow" for her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gogol, in The Overcoat, makes us feel "pity, sympathy, tenderness, and sorrow" for his hero, Akakii Akakievich.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Theory Of Funny: Pathos This week, let's discuss pathos, which my online dictionary defines as "arousing feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow", and then there's a pop-up offering a free-trial phone sex call with someone who can reduce my mortgage payment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is loving them so much that you feel constant fear: fear that they are going to run out into the road or fall out of a window, fear that you're not a good enough mother, fear that Philip Larkin was right … It is worry when they're ill, sorrow when they're unhappy, and protective fury when another bigger kid knocks them over in the playground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorrow" to express deep sadness or regret, especially in formal writing or when conveying a sense of gravitas. It's appropriate for discussing personal loss, societal issues, or historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "sorrow" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like "sadness" or "disappointment" are often more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sorrow" is as a noun, denoting a state of sadness or grief. As Ludwig indicates, it correctly expresses deep distress. Examples show it used to describe feelings related to loss or hardship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorrow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to express profound sadness or regret. As Ludwig confirms, it accurately conveys deep distress, particularly in contexts involving loss or hardship. Its usage spans across diverse domains, from News & Media to Lifestyle, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. When choosing alternative expressions, consider options like "grief" or "anguish" for greater intensity, or "sadness" for a more general sense of unhappiness. Avoid overusing "sorrow" in casual settings, where simpler terms may be more appropriate. Remember, "sorrow" is a powerful word best reserved for conveying significant emotional weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grief

Represents a profound mourning and deep sadness, often associated with loss.

sadness

A general term for unhappiness or distress, less intense than grief or sorrow.

regret

Implies a feeling of disappointment or remorse over something done or not done.

anguish

Denotes extreme suffering, distress, or pain, both physical and mental.

woe

Suggests a condition of deep suffering or misfortune.

distress

Indicates a state of mental suffering, anxiety, or trouble.

heartache

Specifically refers to emotional pain or distress, often related to love or loss.

rue

Expresses regret or sorrow, often with a sense of bitterness.

mourning

The act of showing sorrow or grief, especially for the dead.

lament

To express sorrow or regret; to mourn or grieve.

FAQs

How can I use "sorrow" in a sentence?

"Sorrow" can be used as a noun to describe a feeling of deep sadness, as in, "The news filled her with sorrow." It can also be used as a verb, though this is less common, meaning to feel or express grief.

What's the difference between "sorrow" and "sadness"?

"Sorrow" often implies a deeper, more profound sense of loss and grief than "sadness", which can be a more general term for unhappiness. "Sorrow" is often associated with bereavement or significant hardship.

What can I say instead of "sorrow"?

You can use alternatives like "grief", "regret", or "anguish" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each word carries a slightly different connotation and level of intensity.

Is it correct to say "I'm full of sorrow"?

Yes, the phrase "I'm full of sorrow" is grammatically correct and conveys a strong feeling of sadness or grief. It is a common and accepted way to express deep emotional distress.