state of grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or emotional state characterized by sorrow or mourning, often following a loss. Example: "After the passing of her beloved pet, she found herself in a deep state of grief that was hard to overcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I somersaulted into a state of grief.

The New Yorker

Can you talk about this state of grief?

Harvard University

Neymar fell and rolled about in a state of grief.

The Guardian - Sport

We are in a state of grief, thank you, but we are not talking".

The New York Times

But there was also what I experienced as a delayed state of grief.

The New Yorker

Indigenous families are in an almost constant state of grief, mourning and loss.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The families entered the centre in various states of grief.

The Guardian

This leads to continuing states of grief, loss, abandonment, and neglect as well as persistent anxiety, fear, and depression all at a time when the brain is in crucial stages of development.

University of California, Berkeley

Calmly yet restlessly, she brings to life Strayed's longings, her states of grief and desire and her wary optimism".

Wikipedia

Following the stillbirth of our son in 2005, my husband and I wandered around in deep states of grief unable (or unwilling) to fully discuss what had happened when our baby died.

Huffington Post

"There's going to be desperate sorrow". Police said the families were in a state of "extreme grief".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "state of grief", consider the intensity and duration of the grief being described. Is it a temporary reaction or a prolonged condition?

Common error

While "state of grief" is appropriate for formal writing and news reports, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "sad" or "upset" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of grief" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a condition or emotional state characterized by sorrow and mourning. Ludwig AI's analysis aligns with this, indicating the phrase's common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "state of grief" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe the emotional condition following a loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider the intensity and duration of the grief. While alternatives like "deep sorrow" or "period of mourning" exist, "state of grief" effectively conveys a prolonged and significant emotional experience. Be mindful of overusing it in informal contexts, where simpler language may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep sorrow

Highlights the intensity of sadness experienced.

profound sadness

Similar to deep sorrow, but emphasizes the depth of the emotional impact.

grief-stricken

Adjective form indicating being overwhelmed by grief.

period of mourning

Focuses on the time aspect of grieving, rather than the emotional condition.

intense mourning

Focuses on the active expression of grief.

condition of bereavement

Emphasizes the state of having suffered a loss, often through death.

anguished state

Emphasizes the suffering and pain associated with grief.

bereaved condition

Highlights the condition of having experienced a significant loss.

mournful disposition

Focuses on the lasting impact of grief on one's attitude and demeanor.

despondent mood

Describes a state of low spirits and hopelessness resulting from grief.

FAQs

How can I use "state of grief" in a sentence?

You can use "state of grief" to describe someone's emotional condition after a loss, such as "After the tragedy, the entire community was in a "state of grief"".

What are some alternatives to "state of grief"?

Depending on the context, you could use "deep sorrow", "profound sadness", or "period of mourning" as alternatives.

Is "state of grief" formal or informal?

"State of grief" is generally considered a formal expression. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "sadness" or "mourning" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "state of grief" from "feeling sad"?

"State of grief" implies a more prolonged and intense period of mourning, whereas "feeling sad" can refer to a temporary emotion. The former suggests a deeper, more impactful experience of loss.