trace of sorrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of sorrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle indication or hint of sadness in someone's expression, demeanor, or situation. Example: "Despite her smile, there was a trace of sorrow in her eyes that revealed her true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The TV has been a great help," he said without the slightest trace of sorrow or self-pity.

The New York Times

There's not a trace of sorrow.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Since the 1970s critics have attempted to account for the potency of his work by finding in it traces of sorrow, of film noir toughness, or of an uneasy ambivalence regarding the fake and bourgeois solutions they seem to offer.

The Guardian

In Vivre Sa Vie, Godard plays again with our desire to watch his star, to trace the sorrows of her changing face.

The Guardian - Film

A sound of sorrow.

The New York Times

The path of sorrow upon sorrow.

The New Yorker

Out of sorrow, empathy.

The Guardian - Tech

Rather out of sorrow.

The Guardian - Opinion

I want to die of sorrow".

The New York Times

Out of sorrow came action.

The New York Times

"It's full of joy and full of sorrow".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trace of sorrow", consider the context to ensure the subtlety of the sadness is appropriate. It's best used when implying a hidden or suppressed feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "trace of sorrow" when describing intense grief or overwhelming sadness. This phrase is most effective when depicting a faint or subtle hint of sadness, not a dominant emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of sorrow" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms it correctly describes a subtle indication or hint of sadness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trace of sorrow" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, designed to convey a subtle hint or indication of sadness. While not as common as alternatives like "hint of sadness", it's effective in contexts where a faint, underlying feeling is being described. Ludwig AI validates that it can be used to describe a subtle indication or hint of sadness in someone's expression or demeanor. The phrase finds its primary usage in news and media, fitting into journalistic writing, with its source quality score high, showcasing that it is usually find in well written pieces. When using "trace of sorrow", ensure that you are indeed aiming to portray subtle sadness, differentiating it from more intense emotions. Considering its limited usage and aiming for precision, writers might consider alternatives like "hint of sadness" or "touch of grief" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of sadness

Replaces "trace of sorrow" with more common synonyms, implying a slight indication of sadness.

touch of grief

Substitutes "sorrow" with "grief", suggesting a deeper, more poignant sadness.

vestige of sadness

Uses "vestige" instead of "trace", indicating a lingering remnant of sadness.

shadow of sadness

Employs "shadow" to convey a subtle but noticeable presence of sadness.

tinge of melancholy

Replaces "sorrow" with "melancholy", suggesting a reflective and pensive sadness.

whisper of despair

Uses "whisper" to emphasize the faint and subtle nature of the despair.

faint suggestion of sadness

Elaborates on the subtlety, highlighting the indirect indication of sadness.

residual sadness

Focuses on the remaining or lingering aspect of sadness.

undertone of grief

Suggests a subtle underlying feeling of grief beneath the surface.

lingering sadness

Highlights the enduring quality of the sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "trace of sorrow" in a sentence?

You can use "trace of sorrow" to describe a subtle indication of sadness. For example, "Despite her cheerful demeanor, there was a trace of sorrow in her eyes."

What can I say instead of "trace of sorrow"?

You can use alternatives like "hint of sadness", "touch of grief", or "shadow of sadness" depending on the context.

Is "trace of sorrow" a common phrase?

The phrase "trace of sorrow" isn't as commonly used as simpler alternatives like "hint of sadness", but it's grammatically correct and understandable.

What's the difference between "trace of sorrow" and "feeling of sorrow"?

"Trace of sorrow" implies a subtle, almost imperceptible indication, while "feeling of sorrow" suggests a more distinct and noticeable emotion.