What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
woe
Example
The country is in woe due to the recent natural disaster. [woe: noun]
Example
She cried out in woe when she heard the news. [woe: interjection]
sorrow
Example
He felt great sorrow after the loss of his best friend. [sorrow: noun]
Example
She sorrowfully recounted the events of the tragic accident. [sorrowfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sorrow is more commonly used than woe in everyday language. Sorrow is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while woe is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between woe and sorrow?
Both woe and sorrow can be used in formal or literary contexts, but woe may be considered more formal or archaic due to its Old English origins.
