utterly heartbroken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly heartbroken" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe extreme sadness or grief in a more dramatic or emphatic way. Example: She was utterly heartbroken when she found out that her dog had passed away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I am utterly heartbroken".

The New York Times

I am utterly heartbroken about the news of Charles passing.

Independent

Leadership candidate Tim Farron tweeted: I am utterly heartbroken about the news of Charles' passing.

Independent

Last September the prime minister begged the Scots to stay, saying that he would be "utterly heartbroken" if they seceded.

The Economist

After several hours in the witness box, Mr Saatchi said he wished 2013 had never happened and confessed that he was "utterly heartbroken" that his marriage broke down.

Independent

It's where you might find out what being utterly heartbroken feels like, and how many bottles of cheap red wine it takes to cure it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I was absolutely heartbroken.

Vice

"We are all naturally utterly devastated and heartbroken by the unspeakable tragedy that now appears to have befallen us".

The Guardian

He was 18. Karen Revell, Greg's mother, said: "Myself and my family have been left utterly devastated and heartbroken over the apparent suicide of my son Greg, whilst in the care of Glen Parva.

The Guardian

The family of Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, said they were heartbroken and "utterly devastated" over her murder.

The Guardian

"You're heartbroken.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly heartbroken" to convey a strong sense of grief or disappointment, typically when the situation involves a significant emotional loss or setback. It's more impactful than simply saying 'sad' or 'disappointed'.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly heartbroken" too frequently in your writing, as its intensity can diminish if overused. Reserve it for situations where the emotional impact is genuinely profound, otherwise, opt for more moderate language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly heartbroken" functions as a descriptive expression, modifying a subject to convey a state of profound sadness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes a strong emotional reaction. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe reactions to death, loss, and disappointment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly heartbroken" is a common and effective way to express deep sadness and grief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to emphasize significant emotional distress. While alternatives like "completely devastated" and "deeply saddened" exist, "utterly heartbroken" effectively conveys a profound sense of loss. To avoid overuse, reserve it for situations where the emotional impact is truly significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely devastated

Similar in intensity, emphasizing destruction of one's emotional state.

absolutely crushed

Emphasizes the feeling of being broken or overwhelmed by sadness.

deeply saddened

A more formal and slightly less intense expression of sorrow.

totally shattered

Indicates a complete breakdown of emotional well-being.

inconsolably sad

Highlights the inability to be comforted in one's sorrow.

bitterly disappointed

Focuses on the disappointment aspect of the emotional state.

profoundly grieved

A formal and deep expression of sorrow, usually associated with loss.

incredibly saddened

Similar meaning, but slightly less intense.

heart sick

An older, more figurative way of expressing deep sadness.

overwhelmed with grief

Emphasizes being overcome by feelings of grief.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly heartbroken" to describe someone's profound sadness. For example, "She was utterly heartbroken when her favorite pet died."

What are some alternatives to "utterly heartbroken"?

Alternatives include "completely devastated", "deeply saddened", or "inconsolably sad", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utterly heartbroken" formal or informal?

"Utterly heartbroken" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's generally more common in news reporting and personal narratives.

What's the difference between "utterly heartbroken" and "sad"?

"Utterly heartbroken" implies a much deeper and more intense level of sadness than simply being "sad". It suggests a significant emotional impact or loss.