sorrowful expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorrowful expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys sadness or grief. Example: "Her sorrowful expression revealed the depth of her heartbreak after the loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Miss Rose wears a green stone around her neck and a sorrowful expression.

The New York Times

The bearish, balding author possessed the most haunted, sorrowful expression I'd ever seen.

The New York Times - Books

Ravinskij, born in 1950, has white curly hair and a gently sorrowful expression.

The New York Times - Books

Sarah always wore a sorrowful expression in her father's house, as if she saw all of its inhabitants headed in that handbasket toward Hell.

The New Yorker

"The music that's being done today has lost its magic and its poetry because it's rooted in everyday life and is highly technological," Thomas says with a sorrowful expression.

The Guardian - Music

I was forced to perform grief by maintaining a sorrowful expression, all while delivering the news of her death to my closest relatives and friends, calling out of work, and posting a commemorative status on Facebook.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

At the end, as the music frays and the dancing stops, the camera settles on Delgado's sorrowful, vulnerable expression.

The New Yorker

This time, "very sorry" is translated as "feichang wanxi," an expression of sorrowful condolences, but not one implying culpability.

The New York Times

With his sad, crinkled eyes in a craggy face whose expression runs from sorrowful to bitter, Gene embodies the rugged can-do American spirit near the end of its tether but still undefeated.

The New York Times

On the faces of the detainees as well as of the cops was an expression of deep, almost sorrowful gravity.

The New Yorker

"Her face was sorrowful.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorrowful expression" when you want to specifically highlight the visible manifestation of deep sadness or grief on someone's face.

Common error

While descriptive, frequently using "sorrowful expression" to describe a character's face can become repetitive in dialogue. Vary your descriptions with other visual cues like body language or tone of voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorrowful expression" functions as a noun phrase where "sorrowful" modifies the noun "expression". Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe the physical manifestation of sadness or grief. Examples show its use in describing people's faces and even statues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorrowful expression" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe a facial expression that conveys deep sadness or grief. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers alternative phrases like "sad look" or "melancholy countenance". Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to provide a visual and emotional cue to the reader. While effective, avoid overuse by varying your descriptions with other details. Remember, while "sorrowful" and "sad" are similar, "sorrowful" implies a more profound and lasting sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad look

Focuses on the visual aspect of sadness.

heartbroken expression

Specifically implies emotional pain from loss or disappointment in love.

grief-stricken face

Highlights the impact of grief on facial features.

melancholy countenance

More formal and emphasizes a deep, prolonged sadness.

mournful visage

Similar to melancholy countenance but perhaps even more archaic and literary.

pained look

Indicates suffering or distress, which may or may not be directly sorrowful.

woeful appearance

Emphasizes the overall impression of sadness and distress.

downcast gaze

Emphasizes the direction of the eyes as an indicator of sadness.

dejected appearance

Suggests a state of low spirits and discouragement.

unhappy face

A more general term for sadness, not as specific as "sorrowful".

FAQs

How can I describe a "sorrowful expression" in more detail?

You can elaborate by specifying which facial features contribute to the expression, such as downturned lips, teary eyes, or furrowed brows. For example, "Her downturned mouth and tear-filled eyes formed a "sorrowful expression"".

Is "sorrowful expression" the same as "sad expression"?

While similar, "sorrowful" implies a deeper, more profound sadness than just "sad". A "sad expression" might be temporary, while a "sorrowful expression" suggests a lasting grief.

What's the difference between a "sorrowful expression" and a "melancholy look"?

A "melancholy look" suggests a contemplative sadness, often with a hint of pensiveness or wistfulness. A "sorrowful expression", on the other hand, is a more direct and overt display of grief or sadness.

When is it appropriate to use "sorrowful expression" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the depth of someone's sadness and make it visually apparent to the reader. It's particularly effective when describing reactions to loss, tragedy, or disappointment.