unbearable grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unbearable grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense and overwhelming feeling of sorrow or sadness, often in the context of loss or mourning. Example: "After the sudden passing of her father, she was consumed by unbearable grief that seemed to overshadow every moment of her day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We feel unbearable grief".

The New York Times

I was profoundly exhausted, from sleep deprivation, overwork and an unbearable grief.

The New York Times - Magazine

The loss of a child is an unbearable grief, the murder of a child an unthinkable atrocity.

The New Yorker

[cartoon id= a19701"] The loss of a child is an unbearable grief, the murder of a child an unthinkable atrocity.

The New Yorker

In many cases, it is unbearable grief that has caused their withdrawal from society to a safe nonjudgmental place.

The New York Times

That tragedy, with its unbearable grief, its horror and the heroism and nobility of spirit it brought out in Americans, is shared by all of us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

As though the horror of children ripped apart by a hundred and fifty-four bullets fired in less than five minutes is not itself rational evidence for change, as though unbearable parental grief is not itself an argument for altering the circumstance that made the mourning happen.

The New Yorker

People have the right to refuse to go to the emergency room, but when disastrous consequences follow, they should be aware of the unbearable trauma, grief and guilt for the family members and friends who were unable to persuade them to go.

The New York Times

But it was unbearable, overwhelming grief when I saw my handcuffed father, an academic for 30 years, escorted to a prison.

Huffington Post

When he has lost both Cal and Aidan, he faces an unbearable burden of grief and guilt.

The New York Times - Books

"Barbara, Drew, and I are numb, devastated and I find my grief unbearable," he wrote of his family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In news reporting, use "unbearable grief" to accurately depict the intense sorrow experienced by individuals or communities affected by tragedy, ensuring sensitivity and respect for their pain.

Common error

Avoid using "unbearable grief" to describe mild or temporary sadness. This phrase denotes an extreme level of sorrow that is often associated with significant loss or trauma, so using it lightly can diminish its impact and appear insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unbearable grief" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unbearable" intensifies the noun "grief". It expresses a high degree of sorrow or anguish, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unbearable grief" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict profound sorrow, mainly within news and media contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase effectively conveys the intensity of emotional pain following loss or tragedy. Related phrases like "devastating grief" and "overwhelming sorrow" offer similar sentiments, with slight variations in focus. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure its intensity aligns with the described situation to maintain sensitivity and accuracy. While suitable for formal writing, avoiding overuse is essential to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating grief

Highlights the overwhelming and destructive nature of the grief.

overwhelming sorrow

Focuses more on the encompassing nature of the sadness rather than its intensity.

profound sadness

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the sadness.

excruciating sorrow

Emphasizes the intense and unbearable pain of the sorrow.

intense anguish

Highlights the mental or physical suffering caused by the grief.

deep mourning

Focuses on the process and expression of grief over time.

acute sorrow

Emphasizes the sharp and sudden nature of the grief.

crushing despair

Highlights the hopelessness associated with the grief.

agonizing pain

Focuses on the painful emotional experience.

heartbreaking loss

Emphasizes the sense of deprivation and emptiness resulting from the loss.

FAQs

How can I express a similar feeling to "unbearable grief" with different words?

You can use alternatives such as "overwhelming sorrow", "profound sadness", or "intense anguish" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unbearable grief" an appropriate phrase for formal writing?

Yes, "unbearable grief" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when accurately describing intense sorrow in news reports, obituaries, or academic analyses of emotional experiences.

What situations warrant the use of the phrase "unbearable grief"?

"Unbearable grief" is best used to describe situations involving significant loss, trauma, or tragedy, where the emotional impact is profound and overwhelming, such as the death of a loved one or a devastating disaster.

How does "unbearable grief" differ from "sadness" or "sorrow"?

While "sadness" and "sorrow" describe general feelings of unhappiness, "unbearable grief" indicates a far more intense and overwhelming experience of loss that is difficult to cope with. It signifies a deeper, more profound emotional pain.