waves of grief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waves of grief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe intense feelings of sorrow that come in overwhelming surges, often in the context of loss or mourning. Example: "After the funeral, she was hit by waves of grief that left her feeling utterly exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

And with him came waves of grief.

The New York Times

Waves of grief pounded over us.

The Guardian - Music

The deaths sent waves of grief through two communities.

The New York Times

A1 Mr. Arafat's death provoked waves of grief and elation across the Middle East.

The New York Times

Whenever the waves of grief rolled over me I reached for the laptop.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other mass shootings have prompted waves of grief and resolve to take action, only to fade in relatively short order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

New Yorkers shared a wave of grief and felt connected.

The Economist

I suddenly felt a wave of grief and could barely stifle the tears.

Independent

You made this happen!" Gunn added, "I saw his face, and a wave of grief rolled over me.

The New Yorker

Walking past that calendar entry now, staggered by a wave of grief, I feel as if the couple's laughter is mocking me.

The New York Times

After the first wave of grief, the old sumbitch and me fretted about rigor mortis and not being able to move her in that seated position.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waves of grief" to describe the recurring and overwhelming nature of sorrow, particularly in situations of loss or significant emotional distress. This emphasizes the fluctuating intensity of grief, rather than a constant state.

Common error

Avoid using "waves of grief" to describe mild sadness or temporary disappointment. This phrase indicates a profound and recurring emotional experience, not fleeting moments of unhappiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waves of grief" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object or subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms it describes intense feelings of sorrow, often in the context of loss. The examples show it illustrating the impact of loss on individuals and communities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waves of grief" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the recurring and overwhelming nature of sorrow, especially in contexts of loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the fluctuating intensity of grief. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it's used to evoke empathy and understanding. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the profound and recurring emotional experience, rather than fleeting moments of sadness. Alternative phrases like "surges of sorrow" or "floods of sadness" can offer nuanced ways to describe similar feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surges of sorrow

This alternative highlights the sudden and powerful onrush of sorrowful feelings, similar to "waves of grief" but with a slightly different imagery.

outbursts of sadness

This phrase suggests sudden and intense expressions of sadness, emphasizing the emotional release aspect.

pangs of sorrow

This focuses on the sharp, acute feelings of sorrow that can occur intermittently.

floods of sadness

Similar to "waves", this emphasizes the overwhelming quantity of sadness.

torrents of grief

This alternative evokes a powerful and continuous outpouring of grief, highlighting the intensity and persistence of the emotion.

periods of mourning

This phrase focuses on the duration and experience of grieving, rather than the intensity of the feelings.

bouts of mourning

This highlights the intermittent nature of intense mourning experiences.

moments of despair

This phrase emphasizes the feelings of hopelessness and loss associated with grief.

cycles of bereavement

This focuses on the recurring pattern of loss and sorrow in the bereavement process.

grief-stricken episodes

This alternative underscores the impact of grief, describing events heavily influenced by intense sorrow.

FAQs

How can I describe the feeling of grief in a more impactful way?

Instead of simply saying someone is sad, try using phrases like "waves of grief", "surges of sorrow", or "floods of sadness" to convey a deeper sense of loss and emotional intensity.

What does it mean to experience "waves of grief"?

Experiencing "waves of grief" means that feelings of intense sorrow and loss come and go, often triggered by reminders of the person or situation that caused the grief. These feelings can be overwhelming and exhausting.

Is "waves of grief" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

Yes, "waves of grief" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, obituaries, or academic discussions about grief and loss. It effectively conveys the intensity and recurring nature of the emotion.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of recurring grief?

Besides "waves of grief", you could use phrases like "cycles of bereavement", "recurring sorrow", or "intermittent grief" to describe the experience of grief that comes and goes over time.