utter grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a profound and intense feeling of sorrow or sadness, often in response to a significant loss or tragedy. Example: "After hearing the news of her passing, he was overwhelmed with utter grief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It is the color of utter grief and represents the madness hidden in the shadows".

The New York Times - Style

Even as Mr. Henson accepted his silver medal, his face was etched in utter grief.

The New York Times - Books

But later, as Henson received his silver medal, his face set in a mask of utter grief, he sobbed beside Abdullayev.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Polanski's lawyer, John KelsaidFry, said his client had felt "utter grief," not "utter indifference," after Tate's death, and noted that Ms. Telle had not been a witness at the trial.

The New York Times

The critic John Warrack wrote, "There are no sadder pages in symphonic literature than the close of the First Symphony's Adagio, as horn and trombones twice softly intone a phrase of utter grief", whereas to Michael Kennedy, the movement is notable for its lack of anguished yearning and angst and is marked instead by a "benevolent tranquillity".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Can a fully stocked major league baseball team, about to snatch the fruits of victory, blow the deal time and again and sink into a state of utter disgust, grief, despondence and, to add insult to injury, dejection, too? "Yeah," said Dusty Baker, the manager of the Chicago Cubs, the team that most closely fits that mopey description.

The New York Times - Sports

The Tehillim, the Book of Psalms, is oft referred to as a place of comfort, useful relevant prayers in times of utter despair and grief, innermost trouble and when faithlessness plows into your belief system.

Huffington Post

She knows that whatever she offers will be taken up, because of the utter repetitiveness of human grief.

The New Yorker

At the same time, he explores the uncontrollability of that very grief, Maureen's utter dependence on signs from the dead, the tethering of an employee to the sudden orders of a capricious employer, the sense of vulnerable helplessness caused by the arrival of unexpected digital communications.

The New Yorker

"This is to do with the utter insincerity of social media grief, the odd mimicry and circle-jerkery of it".

Independent

Jolie, who is almost unrecognisable in the part (there was some casting controversy), is particularly brilliant at portraying the utter despair and irrationality of grief, as seen in the clip below.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utter grief", ensure the context supports a deeply felt and significant loss. It's most effective when describing reactions to major tragedies or personal losses.

Common error

Avoid using "utter grief" to describe minor inconveniences or disappointments. It is a strong phrase best reserved for situations involving profound sadness and loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter grief" functions as a noun phrase, where "utter" modifies the noun "grief". It emphasizes the completeness and intensity of the grief experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in expressing profound sadness, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter grief" is a phrase used to express a deep and complete sense of sorrow, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for conveying profound sadness. While relatively rare, it is a powerful expression best reserved for significant losses. To avoid misuse, be mindful of the context and consider alternatives like "deep sorrow" or "profound sadness" for less intense situations. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing reactions to significant tragedies or personal losses, highlighting its role in conveying intense emotional experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep sorrow

Replaces "utter" with "deep", softening the intensity slightly but maintaining the sense of profound sadness.

profound sadness

Substitutes both "utter" and "grief" with synonyms, offering a slightly more formal tone.

intense sorrow

Emphasizes the strength of the sadness felt.

deep anguish

Focuses more on the pain and suffering associated with grief.

acute grief

Highlights the sharpness and suddenness of the grief.

overwhelming sadness

Conveys the feeling of being completely consumed by sorrow.

crushing grief

Suggests a grief that is heavy and oppressive.

unbearable sorrow

Emphasizes the difficulty in enduring the sadness.

heartbreaking grief

Highlights the emotional pain and distress caused by the grief.

despairing sadness

Indicates a profound sadness mixed with a sense of hopelessness.

FAQs

What does "utter grief" mean?

"Utter grief" signifies a profound and complete feeling of sorrow or sadness, typically experienced in response to a significant loss or tragedy.

How can I use "utter grief" in a sentence?

You can use "utter grief" to describe someone's reaction to devastating news or a personal loss. For example, "She was overcome with "utter grief" upon hearing of her father's passing".

Are there alternative phrases to "utter grief"?

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

Is "utter grief" more formal or informal?

"Utter grief" leans towards a more formal and serious tone, suitable for describing intense emotional experiences in literature, news reports, or personal narratives. However depending on context, alternatives such as "deep sadness" might sound more neutral.