became depressed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became depressed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in emotional state, indicating that someone has transitioned into a state of depression. Example: "After the loss of her job, she became depressed and struggled to find motivation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Example 1 S1: children of divorce became depressed S2: "Chi" (Meaning "what") S1: become S2: are depressed.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

He became depressed and suicidal.

The New York Times

I soon became depressed and isolated.

The Guardian - Opinion

I became depressed and started having panic attacks.

The Guardian

Stewart became depressed, "a recluse", refusing to go out.

Independent

He became depressed and grew distant from his friends.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I'd become depressed, aggressive".

The Guardian - Music

You become depressed, angry, aggressive.

The New Yorker

He becomes depressed, terrified and angry.

The New York Times - Books

She never let herself, she said, become depressed.

The New York Times

So prepare to become depressed and/or paranoid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the onset of depression, consider using specific details about the triggering event or circumstances to provide context and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone "became depressed" without providing any preceding events or circumstances. This can make the statement feel abrupt and lack emotional impact for the reader. Elaborate on potential triggers or contributing factors to create a more compelling narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became depressed" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a transition into a state of depression. As evidenced by the examples Ludwig provides, it often follows a description of events or circumstances that may have triggered this emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became depressed" effectively conveys a shift into a state of depression, often linked to specific life events or circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. While synonyms like "fell into despair" or "sank into depression" offer alternative ways to express this transition, it's important to provide context when using "became depressed" to enhance the narrative's impact. The phrase has a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing, and should be used with sensitivity to the emotional weight it carries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sank into depression

Suggests a gradual decline into a depressive state, emphasizing the process.

developed depression

Focuses on the onset and progression of a clinical condition of depression.

fell into despair

Indicates a deeper, more intense state of hopelessness compared to simply becoming depressed.

grew despondent

Suggests a loss of hope and enthusiasm, often due to disappointment.

spiraled into dejection

Conveys a rapid and uncontrolled descent into a state of low spirits.

succumbed to melancholy

Implies a yielding to a persistent state of sadness, often with a romantic or reflective connotation.

started feeling down

Describes a milder and more general sense of sadness or low spirits.

entered a dark place

A metaphorical way of describing the experience of depression, emphasizing its isolating and negative nature.

lost all hope

Emphasizes the absence of optimism and the belief in a positive future.

turned blue

An idiomatic expression indicating a state of sadness.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "became depressed"?

Alternatives include "fell into despair", "sank into depression", or "developed depression" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "became depressed" in formal writing?

Yes, "became depressed" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context. More clinical terms might be suitable for scientific or medical contexts. However, became depressed is perfectly acceptable.

How can I use "became depressed" in a sentence?

You can use "became depressed" to describe someone's emotional state after a specific event, such as "After losing his job, he became depressed and isolated himself from friends and family".

What's the difference between "became depressed" and "was depressed"?

"Became depressed" indicates a transition into a state of depression, while "was depressed" simply describes a state of being. "Became depressed" implies an onset, whereas "was depressed" does not necessarily indicate when the depression started.