vale of tears

USAGE SUMMARY

"vale of tears" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a metaphor to describe a difficult or sorrowful situation. For example, you might say "Her life was a vale of tears, filled with grief and disappointment".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The vale of tears".

The Guardian - Books

It's a vale of tears".

The New York Times - Arts

This is Manhattan's vale of tears.

The Guardian

Jam tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow Vale of tears Reprints.

The Economist

The vale of tears is powerless before you.

The Guardian - Books

The path out of the vale of tears appears to be strewn with rocks.

The Economist

"I didn't know if it was the vale of joy or the vale of tears".

Independent

Ten years have transpired since you departed this vale of tears beloved Rueven.

The New York Times

Jam tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow Vale of tears ReprintsThis has caused a flurry of excitement in some state-controlled newspapers.

The Economist

Jam tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow Vale of tears ReprintsThis is the third successive summer of big anti-Indian protests.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But I'm not for this vale-of-tears approach.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vale of tears" to add a touch of literary or historical gravitas to your writing when describing a situation filled with sorrow or hardship. Be mindful of your audience; it resonates more effectively when the reader understands its metaphorical origin.

Common error

Avoid using "vale of tears" in contexts that are merely unpleasant or inconvenient. Its strength lies in conveying deep sorrow and suffering, not everyday frustrations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vale of tears" functions primarily as a metaphorical noun phrase. It serves to describe the world or a particular situation as being filled with sorrow and suffering, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vale of tears" is a commonly used metaphorical expression that describes the world or a specific situation as being filled with sorrow and suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct. Primarily found in News & Media, this expression adds emotional depth, often evoking empathy by emphasizing hardship or sadness. Be mindful of the audience when using the expression, as it's a literary or formal expression and not for daily use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sea of sorrow

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of sadness.

world of suffering

Highlights the presence of pain and adversity.

valley of despair

Focuses on hopelessness and loss of courage.

life of adversity

Underlines the constant presence of challenges and misfortune.

time of tribulation

Refers to a period marked by hardship and testing.

realm of woe

Suggests a state or place filled with sorrow and misery.

sorrowful journey

Implies a difficult and sad progression through life.

era of anguish

Emphasizes a prolonged period of intense suffering.

hardship-filled existence

Directly describes a life marked by challenges and difficulties.

period of mourning

Focuses specifically on grieving and loss.

FAQs

How can I use "vale of tears" in a sentence?

You can use "vale of tears" to describe a period or situation filled with sorrow, such as "The refugee camp became a "vale of tears" after the devastating storm".

What does "vale of tears" metaphorically represent?

The "vale of tears" metaphorically represents the world and human existence as a place filled with suffering, sorrow, and hardship.

Is "vale of tears" considered a formal or informal expression?

"Vale of tears" is generally considered a somewhat formal or literary expression, often used to add emotional weight or a sense of historical perspective. It is not typically used in casual conversation.

What are some phrases similar to "vale of tears" that I can use?

Similar phrases include "sea of sorrow", "valley of despair", or "world of suffering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.