to grieve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to grieve" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the process of experiencing sorrow or mourning, especially after a loss. Example: "She needed time to grieve after the passing of her beloved pet." Alternative expressions include "to mourn" and "to lament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I wanted to grieve.

The New Yorker

"It's necessary to grieve that".

The New York Times - Sports

People need to grieve.

The New York Times

We seem wired to grieve with greenery.

The New Yorker

There was no time to grieve.

The New York Times

You have no right to grieve.

The New Yorker

The poet remains to grieve.

The Guardian - Books

I need time to grieve".

The New York Times

I began to grieve deeply.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We don't need to grieve for it.

The New Yorker

"We'd like to grieve on our own".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to grieve" when you want to express the act of experiencing deep sorrow, especially after a significant loss. Ensure that the context aligns with the intensity of the emotion conveyed by the word.

Common error

Avoid using "to grieve" when describing minor disappointments or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving genuine loss and deep sadness to maintain its emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to grieve" functions primarily as an infinitive verb, often used to express the action of experiencing deep sorrow or mourning after a loss. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing this usage in diverse contexts. It's grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to grieve" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive verb used to express the act of experiencing deep sorrow or mourning, especially after a loss. Ludwig AI confirms its broad acceptance and proper usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where genuine loss and profound sadness are involved. Alternatives like "to mourn" or "to lament" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This makes it suitable for neutral to slightly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to mourn

This alternative is a more formal synonym, often used in obituaries and official announcements of death.

to feel grief

This alternative is a more descriptive way to express experiencing the emotion of grief.

to experience grief

This alternative emphasizes the act of undergoing the emotional experience of grief.

to sorrow

This alternative is a less common, somewhat archaic synonym that emphasizes deep sadness.

to lament

This alternative suggests expressing grief aloud, often in a demonstrative way.

to be in mourning

This alternative implies a period of time dedicated to grieving, often with specific customs or behaviors.

to bear sorrow

This alternative emphasizes enduring or carrying the burden of grief.

to agonize over

This alternative conveys a more intense and prolonged sense of suffering and distress.

to be saddened

This alternative is a more passive and general expression of feeling sadness, not necessarily as intense as grief.

to wear black

This alternative is a symbolic way to show grieving by wearing dark-colored clothing.

FAQs

How can I use "to grieve" in a sentence?

You can use "to grieve" to describe the act of feeling deep sorrow, typically after a loss. For example, "She needed time "to grieve" after her grandmother passed away."

What are some alternatives to "to grieve"?

Some alternatives include "to mourn", "to lament", "to sorrow" or simply "to feel sad" depending on the intensity of emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I am grieving"?

Yes, "I am grieving" is grammatically correct. It's the present continuous tense of the verb "to grieve", indicating that you are currently experiencing grief. It's similar to saying "I am feeling grief."

What's the difference between "to grieve" and "to mourn"?

While both "to grieve" and "to mourn" refer to experiencing sorrow after a loss, "to mourn" often implies a more formal or public expression of grief, sometimes involving specific rituals or customs. "To grieve" is a more general term for feeling deep sadness.