utterly heartbreaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly heartbreaking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation, action, or news that is profoundly moving and heartbreaking in its sadness. Example sentence: The news of her passing away was utterly heartbreaking for all of her loved ones.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It's utterly heartbreaking.

The Guardian

Showing not telling, and utterly heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Books

"It is utterly heartbreaking and totally uplifting," Hunt said.

The Guardian

"The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking," McDonnell said in a statement.

Independent

It is utterly heartbreaking that their numbers are falling so far and so fast.

The Guardian

Which makes the news that there are attempts to wipe it from the map by turns infuriating and utterly heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking".

BBC

"It's absolutely heartbreaking.

BBC

The Cindy Sherman show at MOMA, up through June 11th, folds in on itself with an utterly ingenious and heartbreaking twist that caught me by surprise.

The New Yorker

His performance is comical and heartbreaking, utterly absorbing and unnervingly naturalistic, like the best of Alan Rickman and Steve Coogan fused into one – and the film is a total delight.

The Guardian - Film

(Candlewick, $16.99). A girl in 1970s Florida who is abandoned by her father tries to lure him back home by baton-twirling her way into the newspaper in this heartbreaking, utterly enchanting novel.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly heartbreaking", ensure the context clearly establishes the source and reason for the profound sadness. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly heartbreaking" to describe minor inconveniences or disappointments. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke deep sorrow and emotional pain to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly heartbreaking" functions as an intensifier (utterly) modifying an adjective (heartbreaking). It amplifies the degree of sadness or emotional pain associated with a particular situation or event. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage, with examples showing its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly heartbreaking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe situations evoking deep sorrow. According to Ludwig AI, this adverb-adjective combination effectively communicates profound empathy, particularly in news, books, and lifestyle content. While versatile, it's best reserved for genuinely tragic events to maintain its emotional impact. Consider related alternatives like "heart-wrenching" or "absolutely devastating" to adjust the intensity of the expression. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can leverage "utterly heartbreaking" to enhance their writing effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heart-wrenching

Focuses on the intense emotional pain and suffering experienced.

unbearably sad

Focuses on the overwhelming and intolerable nature of the sadness.

absolutely devastating

Emphasizes the destructive impact and overwhelming nature of the sadness.

completely crushing

Highlights the feeling of being utterly defeated and emotionally flattened.

profoundly saddening

Focuses on the deep and significant nature of the sorrow.

incredibly tragic

Stresses the catastrophic and unfortunate aspect of the situation.

deeply distressing

Highlights the troubling and disturbing emotional effect.

grievously painful

Stresses the severity and intensity of the emotional agony.

bitterly disappointing

Emphasizes the frustration and disillusionment associated with the sadness.

exceptionally sorrowful

Highlights the unusual and remarkable degree of sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly heartbreaking" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly heartbreaking" to describe a situation or event that causes deep sorrow. For instance, "The story of the refugee children was "utterly heartbreaking"."

What are some alternatives to "utterly heartbreaking"?

Alternatives include "heart-wrenching", "absolutely devastating", or "profoundly saddening" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly heartbreaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "utterly heartbreaking" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a deeply sad or tragic event, provided the tone aligns with the overall context of the piece. However, consider if alternatives such as "profoundly saddening" might be more suitable.

What makes something "utterly heartbreaking" versus simply "sad"?

"Utterly heartbreaking" implies a much deeper and more intense level of sadness than simply "sad". It suggests a situation that evokes strong emotions and a sense of devastation. A simple sad event may be a disappointment, whereas an utterly heartbreaking event suggests a tragedy.