tragic subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tragic subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or theme that involves tragedy or evokes a sense of sorrow and loss. Example: "The novel explores the tragic subject of war and its impact on families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

(That other favorite tragic subject).

The New Yorker

He swore fealty to "timeless and tragic" subject matter.

The New Yorker

As in the stories, Englander's approach to his dependably tragic subject remains dedicatedly ironic.

The New Yorker

The Holocaust remains a looming, tragic subject, but that doesn't stop artist after artist from exploiting it while supposedly invoking themes of trauma and collective memory.

The New York Times - Arts

The book and film boosted Murdoch's recognition factor, but did they really help her reputation as a novelist – a maker of fates, rather than the tragic subject of her own?

Independent

Despite its tragic subject matter, one of the most intriguing paintings is an 18th-century landscape of episodes from Jesus' Passion acted out by doll-like figures within a circular stockade made of pointy wooden pickets.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is also typically rife with false sympathy and unconvincing parallels between the life of the author and his or her tragic subjects.

The New York Times

Buy from Amazon.comCALVIN TRILLIN made his reputation over four decades as the author of "US Journal" in the New Yorker, reporting extensively about serious and often tragic subjects such as race relations and crime.

The Economist

Yet jokes can help to ease tension and discomfort around specialities that deal with tragic subjects, says Helena González, who earned a PhD studying the epigenetics of cancer in 2013 and is now a science communicator with the comedy troupe Big Van Science in Barcelona.

Nature

Bellini, primarily drawn to tragic subjects, was clearly never quite comfortable with comedy, and the principal buffo character, Salvini's sardonic servant Bonifacio, is awkwardly integrated into the action, while his music, reminiscent of Rossini, seems at a tangent from the rest of the score.

The Guardian - Music

He praised its ability to discuss tragic subjects in a way that made readers laugh - a form of expression, he said, that the attackers hoped to eliminate.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use concrete details and evidence to support your claims about the "tragic subject", rather than relying on generalizations or stereotypes. This adds credibility and depth to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid reducing a complex "tragic subject" to simplistic narratives or single causes. Acknowledge the nuances and interconnected factors that contribute to the tragedy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tragic subject" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tragic" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "subject". It's used to identify a topic or theme characterized by tragedy, sorrow, or significant loss, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tragic subject" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered noun phrase used to denote a topic characterized by tragedy, loss, or sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, sensitivity and respect are paramount. Remember to avoid oversimplifying the subject matter or exploiting the pain associated with the tragedy. Use concrete details and evidence to support your claims. Alternative phrasings, such as "sad topic" or "melancholy theme", can provide nuanced ways to convey the same sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad topic

Replaces "subject" with "topic", focusing on the theme being discussed, emphasizing the sorrowful aspect.

melancholy theme

Substitutes "tragic" with "melancholy" and "subject" with "theme", highlighting the mournful tone and central idea.

unfortunate matter

Uses "unfortunate" instead of "tragic" and "matter" instead of "subject", softening the intensity while retaining the negative connotation.

grievous issue

Replaces "tragic" with "grievous" and "subject" with "issue", emphasizing the seriousness and cause for grief.

sorrowful area

Uses "sorrowful" for "tragic" and "area" for "subject", focusing on a specific domain filled with sadness.

pathetic theme

Changes "tragic" to "pathetic" and "subject" to "theme", emphasizing the vulnerability and pity evoked.

heartbreaking issue

Substitutes "tragic" with "heartbreaking" and "subject" with "issue", emphasizing the emotional pain involved.

lamentable situation

Replaces "tragic" with "lamentable" and "subject" with "situation", highlighting the regret and sorrow associated.

distressing subject matter

Uses "distressing" for "tragic" and "subject matter" for "subject", intensifying the emotional unease.

mournful topic

Changes "tragic" to "mournful" and "subject" to "topic", emphasizing the grief and sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "tragic subject" in a sentence?

You can use "tragic subject" to refer to a topic or theme that involves tragedy or evokes a sense of sorrow and loss. For example, "The novel explores the tragic subject of war and its impact on families."

What are some alternatives to "tragic subject"?

You can use alternatives like "sad topic", "melancholy theme", or "unfortunate matter" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "tragic subject"?

It's appropriate to use "tragic subject" when discussing topics that involve significant loss, suffering, or misfortune, and when a sense of sorrow or empathy is warranted.

What is the difference between "tragic subject" and "sensitive topic"?

"Tragic subject" specifically implies a theme involving loss and sorrow, whereas "sensitive topic" refers to any issue that requires careful and thoughtful handling, not necessarily related to tragedy. Some "sensitive topics" may also be "tragic subjects", but not always.