a terrible mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible mood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's emotional state, indicating that they are feeling very unhappy or irritable. Example: "After receiving the bad news, she was in a terrible mood for the rest of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

And the voters are definitely in a terrible mood.

The New York Times

Travel restrictions have also created a terrible mood among scientists and engineers working in those laboratories.

The New York Times

"If I were here alone today, I'd be in a terrible mood," she says.

The New Yorker

But Dutch voters are in a terrible mood about the cost of Europe, and the impact of enlargement.

The Economist

But you're in a terrible mood: on the way to work, you were rear-ended by a distracted driver talking on his cell phone.

Harvard University

And though we had every reason to be in a terrible mood, we actually found ourselves bopping our heads along, and really liking Ms. von Furstenberg's spring collection.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He suffered from terrible mood swings.

The Guardian

John, despite — or because of — his "terrible mood" is "pounding beers".

The New Yorker

I consider myself a Juventus fan, but I am nowhere near the passionate supporter that Aaron embodies (which includes terrible mood swings and fits of anger during and after games that do not go well).

The New York Times

"It's how I am in real life," Daniel says, "I have really terrible mood swings".

Vice

A: Terrible!

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary emotional state, use "a terrible mood" to effectively convey a strong sense of unhappiness or irritability. For example, "After the argument, he was in a terrible mood all evening."

Common error

While "a terrible mood" is appropriate, avoid repetitive use in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "foul mood" or describing the specific emotions experienced, such as frustration or anger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible mood" functions as a noun phrase describing an emotional state. It specifies the type of mood, indicating it is significantly negative or unpleasant. Ludwig AI examples show its common use in expressing someone's current emotional condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a terrible mood" effectively conveys a strong negative emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intensity and duration of the described mood. While common, avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "a foul mood" or "a dark mood" to add variety to your writing. Remember, the phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foul mood

This alternative suggests a strong feeling of displeasure or irritability.

a dark mood

This alternative describes a somber and melancholic emotional state.

an awful frame of mind

This alternative emphasizes the extremely unpleasant nature of the mood.

a bad temper

This alternative highlights the display of anger and irritability.

a dismal frame of mind

This alternative emphasizes a gloomy and pessimistic state of thought.

a wretched temper

This alternative highlights a particularly unpleasant or offensive mood.

a sour disposition

This alternative points to a habitually grumpy or uncooperative attitude.

a downcast spirit

This alternative focuses on a feeling of dejection and loss of hope.

a depressed state

This alternative indicates a clinical or significant state of sadness.

a blue funk

This alternative is a more informal way to describe a state of sadness and unease.

FAQs

What does it mean to be in "a terrible mood"?

Being in "a terrible mood" means experiencing a state of unhappiness, irritability, or general negativity. It suggests that someone is feeling unpleasant emotions, making them less agreeable or pleasant to be around.

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

You can use "a terrible mood" to describe someone's emotional state. For example, "She's been in a terrible mood ever since she failed her exam" or "The bad weather put him in a terrible mood".

What are some alternative ways to say "a terrible mood"?

You can use alternatives like "a foul mood", "a bad mood", or "a dark mood" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a terrible mood"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, with "terrible" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "mood".