tragic romance

USAGE SUMMARY

"tragic romance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a romantic story that ends in a sad or tragic way. Example: "Romeo and Juliet" is a classic example of a tragic romance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a tragic romance.

The New York Times

Yes, I know, sounds like that common tragic romance right?

The Guardian

Macintyre's latest excavation concerns another furtive, but more tragic, romance.

The New York Times - Books

As a doomed business, it lacks the tragic romance of the travel bureau or encyclopedia salesman.

The New Yorker

Rather than tragic romance, Mr. Clug emphasizes the awkwardness of adolescent attraction.

The New York Times - Arts

That would have goosed the collection along with some truly tragic romance.

The New York Times

The serious story — suicide, death, tragic romance — was a departure from the Tom Ford of Gucci who liked to provoke.

The New York Times

Until this version of Shakespeare's tragic romance, the actors who played the title lovers were often too old to plausibly portray the characters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of the faded glory days of the studio system, and of a period in American history fraught with both dread, brutality, and tragic romance.

Independent

The comedies The Farmer's Wife and Champagne (both 1928) were followed by the tragic romance (and box-office hit) The Manxman (1929).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Friends at a dinner party begin to read "Romeo and Juliet" aloud as a diversion, but the play takes over in this reconceived version of Shakespeare's tragic romance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tragic romance" to describe stories where the love between characters is ultimately overshadowed by misfortune, death, or irreversible circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "tragic romance" as a blanket term for any sad love story. The phrase is most impactful when the romance itself is a central element of the tragedy, not merely a subplot.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tragic romance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific type of narrative focused on a love story with a sorrowful or disastrous ending. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tragic romance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a love story with a sorrowful ending. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriate usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies more than just a sad love story; it suggests that the romance itself is intertwined with the tragic events. Consider alternatives like "doomed love affair" or "ill-fated love story" to add nuance. Avoid overusing it to maintain its impact. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doomed love affair

Emphasizes the inevitable failure and sorrow inherent in the romantic relationship.

ill-fated love story

Highlights the unfortunate circumstances and destiny that lead to the romance's tragic end.

sorrowful love story

Highlights the pervasive sadness and grief present throughout the relationship and its conclusion.

heartbreaking romance

Emphasizes the emotional pain and devastation caused by the love story.

romance ending in despair

Clearly states the outcome of the romance: a feeling of utter hopelessness.

devastating love

Emphasizes the destructive emotional impact of the relationship.

unhappy love

Simple and direct, focusing on the lack of joy and fulfillment in the relationship.

unfortunate love

Simple and direct, focusing on the misfortune experienced in the relationship.

love against the odds

Focuses on the challenges and obstacles the lovers face, ultimately leading to tragedy.

doomed relationship

Focuses on the inevitable failure and sorrow inherent in the romantic relationship in general, not strictly on romantic love.

FAQs

How to use "tragic romance" in a sentence?

You can use "tragic romance" to describe a narrative where the love between characters leads to a sorrowful ending, such as, "Romeo and Juliet is the epitome of a tragic romance".

What's a less common term for "tragic romance"?

While "tragic romance" is common, a less frequently used alternative with a similar meaning is "ill-fated love story", which emphasizes the unfortunate destiny of the relationship.

What distinguishes a "tragic romance" from a regular romance?

A "tragic romance" is characterized by a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion, often involving death, separation, or profound loss, whereas a regular romance might have a happy ending or simply explore the complexities of love.

Can a love story be a "tragic romance" even if the characters don't die?

Yes, a love story can still be considered a "tragic romance" even without death. The tragedy can stem from other forms of significant loss, such as irreversible separation, betrayal, or unfulfilled potential.