this is heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is heartbreaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing sadness or disappointment in a situation. For example, "Watching the homeless pup struggle to survive on the streets was heartbreaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"This is heartbreaking for us".

The New York Times

"This is heartbreaking for me," he said.

The New York Times

"This is heartbreaking for us," Sutherland said.

The Washington Post

@ceejayell_ oh my god i miss you @ceejayell_ this is heartbreaking knowing how excited you were for this trip.

Independent

To protect the beauty in our world @DSWT pic.twitter.com/7pK2WExORq This is heartbreaking in every possible way.

Independent

"This is heartbreaking for both of us as our love was very deep, but in the last year we have become estranged and drifted apart.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

This was heartbreaking.

The New York Times

Yes, but this was heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Film

This was heartbreaking for my husband.

The New York Times

This was heartbreaking to me and John's mother.

The New York Times

This was heartbreaking to me, but he wasn't alone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is heartbreaking", consider the specific emotional nuance you want to convey. While it generally expresses sadness, choosing synonyms like "devastating" or "tragic" can add further emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "this is heartbreaking" too frequently in casual conversations. While appropriate in some serious situations, overuse can diminish its impact and sound insincere. Opt for lighter expressions of disappointment when relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is heartbreaking" functions as an expressive statement. It conveys a strong emotional reaction to a situation or event, indicating that it causes significant sadness or distress. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to express sympathy, disappointment, or grief.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is heartbreaking" is a commonly used phrase to express profound sadness or disappointment, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile, though it's best reserved for situations where genuine emotion is appropriate. Consider alternatives like "this is devastating" or "this is deeply saddening" for nuanced expression. Avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is devastating

Focuses more on the destructive impact of the situation.

this is crushing

Emphasizes the overwhelming emotional impact.

this is deeply saddening

Highlights the profound sadness caused by the event.

this is truly tragic

Emphasizes the catastrophic and sorrowful nature of the event.

this is a source of great sorrow

More formal and highlights the cause of the sadness.

this breaks my heart

A more personal and emotional expression of heartbreak.

this fills me with grief

Emphasizes the feeling of grief and mourning.

my heart aches for this

Expresses a deep and personal sense of pain and empathy.

it's a tragedy to witness this

Focuses on the act of witnessing something terrible.

this is emotionally painful

Directly states the emotional suffering caused.

FAQs

How can I use "this is heartbreaking" in a sentence?

You can use "this is heartbreaking" to express deep sadness or disappointment about a situation. For example, "This is heartbreaking news for the family" or "This is heartbreaking to see such suffering".

What are some alternatives to saying "this is heartbreaking"?

Alternatives include "this is devastating", "this is crushing", or "this is deeply saddening". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "this is heartbreaking" formal or informal?

The phrase "this is heartbreaking" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It's generally appropriate for expressing genuine sorrow in serious situations.

What's the difference between "this is heartbreaking" and "this is sad"?

"This is heartbreaking" expresses a deeper level of sorrow and emotional pain compared to the simpler "this is sad". Heartbreaking implies a more significant emotional impact.