waves of sadness

USAGE SUMMARY

"waves of sadness" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a feeling of sadness that comes and goes in waves, much like the ebb and flow of ocean waves. Example: "As she sat on the beach, watching the waves of sadness wash over her, she couldn't help but think of all the happy memories she had shared with her late husband."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

At the same time, she struggled with waves of sadness.

The New York Times

He describes the feelings as "just waves of sadness that I can't speak for".

The New York Times

One of my students suffered from waves of sadness so powerful that she regularly fled the classroom to sob uncontrollably in the solitude of a locked bathroom stall.

University of California, Berkeley

On the field, Justin Meccage admitted to waves of sadness, being on his own in New York City, without his father to lean on long distance.

The New York Times

Waves of sadness, symbolism and disappointment with life pulse from this 1961 movie, nationally re-released as part of a Marilyn Monroe season at London's BFI Southbank.

The Guardian - Film

"No matter what sex, we oscillate between positive and negative emotions, between waves of sadness about the loss and hope for the future," he said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The thought brings on a wave of sadness.

The Guardian

But it elicited a wave of sadness nonetheless.

The New York Times

Yet she felt a wave of sadness, and that, she reasoned, made no sense.

Harvard University

At around 11 pm that night, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me out of nowhere.

Independent

The following weeks were taken up with putting out the paper and photographing a seemingly endless wave of sadness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ concrete imagery alongside "waves of sadness" to enhance the reader's emotional connection and understanding of the experience. For instance, you might relate it to memories or seasons.

Common error

Avoid using "waves of sadness" to describe chronic or clinical depression. This phrase best captures transient, albeit intense, periods of sadness rather than persistent depressive states. It is more accurate to describe long-term depression by referencing its continuous and pervasive nature rather than likening it to something that comes and goes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waves of sadness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe an emotional state. Ludwig AI shows many examples in which this term is used to illustrate temporary and repetitive moments of melancholy, often linked to grief or loss.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waves of sadness" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that vividly describes a fluctuating emotional state. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources, indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral contexts. The phrase is often used to convey the intermittent nature of sorrow or grief, rather than a continuous feeling. When using this expression, be mindful of the transient quality it suggests, and avoid applying it to chronic conditions. Alternatives such as "periods of grief" or "surge of sorrow" can be used to add slight nuances to the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ebb and flow of grief

Illustrates a natural up and down emotional state, like the tide.

surge of sorrow

Highlights a strong and sudden feeling of sorrow.

outbursts of sorrow

Emphasizes the sudden and often uncontrollable nature of the sadness.

cycles of grief

Suggests a recurring pattern or stages of grieving.

periods of grief

Focuses on specific durations or instances of grieving, rather than the fluctuating nature.

influx of grief

Emphasizes the sudden arrival and overwhelming nature of grief.

bouts of melancholy

Implies a more prolonged and reflective state of sadness.

moments of despair

Highlights the feeling of hopelessness within the sadness.

fits of despondency

Highlights the feeling of being low in spirits and lacking enthusiasm.

spells of unhappiness

Focuses on a general state of not being happy, which may not always be as intense as sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "waves of sadness" in a sentence?

You can use "waves of sadness" to describe a fluctuating emotional state. For example, "After the loss, she experienced "waves of sadness" that would wash over her unexpectedly."

What's a good alternative to "waves of sadness"?

Alternatives include "periods of grief", "surge of sorrow", or "outbursts of sorrow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a wave of sadness"?

Yes, "a wave of sadness" is grammatically correct. Both "wave of sadness" and "waves of sadness" are acceptable, with the plural form suggesting recurring instances.

What distinguishes "waves of sadness" from "feeling sad"?

"Feeling sad" describes a general state of unhappiness, whereas ""waves of sadness"" implies that the feeling comes and goes, increasing and decreasing in intensity over time, much like ocean waves.