a foul mood

USAGE SUMMARY

'a foul mood' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of bad temper and irritability. Example Sentence: My boss was in a foul mood and refused to listen to any of my suggestions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm in a foul mood, too.

The New Yorker

Both Jesse and Celine are in a foul mood.

The New Yorker

On that day she was in a foul mood.

The New Yorker

These past few days I've been in a foul mood.

The Guardian - Sport

Apparently this has left him in a foul mood.

The New York Times - Sports

The outcry has left Mr. Freiberger in a foul mood.

The New York Times

One night he was in a foul mood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sir Nicholas Soames, a pedigree Tory MP, seems to be in a foul mood.

Independent

The movie is an ambivalent love letter to a liberal city caught in a foul mood.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes I wake up in a foul mood," said Ms. Murray-Clark, 52.

The New York Times

He joked around a lot, but he could also be in a foul mood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, consider the specific context to determine if "a foul mood" accurately reflects the intensity and nature of their feelings. Alternatives like "irritable" or "grumpy" might be more appropriate in certain situations.

Common error

While "a foul mood" is acceptable, it might sound too informal or colloquial in academic or professional writing. Opt for more nuanced and formal terms like "irascible disposition" or "unpleasant demeanor" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foul mood" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement, describing the state of being of a person or entity. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts. The "aiResponseStatus" indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foul mood" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a state of bad temper or irritability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to express negative emotional states. When writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase's intensity aligns with the intended message. While broadly acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bad temper

Focuses more on the outward expression of the mood through anger.

a crabby mood

Suggests a particularly irritable and bad-tempered state.

an unpleasant temper

Emphasizes the disagreeable nature of the mood.

a testy state

Emphasizes impatience and irritability.

an irritable state

Highlights the sensitivity and proneness to annoyance.

a peevish temper

Implies a tendency to complain or be easily irritated.

a sour disposition

Implies a resentful and unhappy attitude.

a disagreeable humor

Highlights the lack of pleasantness in the mood.

a grumpy disposition

Suggests a habitual tendency to be in a bad mood.

a resentful attitude

Focuses on feelings of bitterness and indignation.

FAQs

How can I use "a foul mood" in a sentence?

You can use "a foul mood" to describe someone experiencing bad temper or irritability. For example, "The bad news put him in "a foul mood" all day".

What can I say instead of "a foul mood"?

You can use alternatives like "a bad temper", "an irritable state", or "a grumpy disposition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a foul mood" or "foul mood"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but "a foul mood" is more common. "Foul mood" without the article "a" is still understandable but less conventional.

What's the difference between "a foul mood" and "a bad mood"?

"A foul mood" implies a stronger level of negativity and irritability than "a bad mood". While "a bad mood" can be general unhappiness, "a foul mood" suggests unpleasantness and potential anger.