brooding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brooding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of deep thought, often with a sense of melancholy or contemplation. Example: "He sat in the corner, brooding over the events of the past week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The brooding figure of André, played with brilliant malevolence by Niels Arestrup, takes on the full demonic force that leads to tragedy.

The Guardian - Film

The duo have made videos for most of the nine songs, featuring shots of Harvey crooning and Skinner brooding.

The Guardian - Music

In a later scene in this episode, when Barksdale's sister, Brianna, confronts them both, Avon seems more explicably upset and conflicted, brooding, failing to make eye contact, taking his anger out on his sister instead of String.

The Guardian

His portrayal of the beleaguered suburban male of the species is achingly tender.' Washington Post 'Unsettling, unnerving, undefinable, American Beauty is a blood-chilling dark comedy, a strange, brooding and very accomplished film.

The Guardian - Film

Cook studied architecture for a few years, before becoming a composer for children's television and TV adverts, as well as playing in brooding post-Britpop band Aereogramme.

The Guardian - Music

This wasn't the sun-soaked destination I'd expected so much as the brooding Caribbean of Blackbeard and Calico Jack.

The Guardian - Travel

Seven years after abruptly ending his playing career at the age of 31, he has lost nothing of the brooding presence that helped make him such an unpredictable success in England with football fans and marketing men alike.

The Guardian - Sport

That darkness is marked on the brooding face of Durer's spirit of melancholy.

The Guardian

If Yash Chopra's heroes were handsome fighter pilots or brooding poets, then his heroines were magnificently groomed in their chiffon saris.

The Guardian

When we motor into Loch Eport on North Uist the clouds glower grey and brooding.

The Guardian - Travel

MIMA, to 6 Aug RC Surely one of the coolest photo-artists around, Stan Douglas presents here his renowned series Midcentury Studio, Malabar People and Disco Angola, works redolent with psychological tension and a brooding high contrast, set against backgrounds of endless black.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of overusing "brooding", as it can sometimes come across as melodramatic. Ensure the context warrants the intensity it implies.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "brooding" for "breeding". "Brooding" relates to deep thought or a state of incubation, while "breeding" concerns reproduction or cultivation. Using the wrong word can significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

"Brooding" functions primarily as a verb, often in its present participle form, describing the act of engaging in deep, often troubled thought. It can also function as an adjective, describing something characterized by a sense of foreboding or intense contemplation. Ludwig examples show its versatility in describing characters and atmospheres.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Film

10%

Music

6%

Less common in

Travel

4%

Books

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brooding" is a versatile term that primarily functions as a verb or adjective, conveying a sense of deep, often troubled thought or a foreboding presence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media, Film, and Music. When writing, remember that while "brooding" effectively communicates intensity, it can be overused, and should not be confused with "breeding". Consider alternatives like "contemplating" or "ruminating" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the potential negative connotations and ensure the context warrants the intensity the term implies. With careful consideration, "brooding" can be a powerful tool for adding depth and atmosphere to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemplating

Emphasizes thoughtful consideration, often of a specific issue or decision.

pondering

Suggests a careful and deliberate process of thinking something through.

musing

Implies a quiet, reflective state of thought, often with a sense of detachment.

ruminating

Highlights dwelling on negative thoughts or experiences, often repetitively.

meditating

Focuses on a deep, sustained state of focused thought, often for spiritual purposes.

dwelling on

Emphasizes focusing attention on something, often to an excessive degree.

preoccupied with

Suggests being mentally consumed by a particular thought or concern.

lost in thought

Describes a state of deep absorption in one's own thoughts.

in deep thought

Similar to 'lost in thought' but emphasizes the intensity of the thinking.

contemplative

Describes a state or period of prolonged deep thought.

FAQs

How can I use "brooding" in a sentence?

You can use "brooding" to describe a person who is deep in thought, often with a negative or melancholic tone. For example: "He was "brooding" over his past mistakes." It can also describe a dark or ominous atmosphere.

What's the difference between "brooding" and "pondering"?

"Brooding" implies a troubled or negative state of deep thought, whereas "pondering" suggests a more neutral or thoughtful consideration.

What are some synonyms for "brooding"?

Alternatives to "brooding" include "contemplating", "ruminating", "musing", and "dwelling on", each carrying slightly different connotations of deep thought.

Is "brooding" always negative?

While "brooding" often carries a negative connotation of worry or melancholy, it can also simply describe a state of deep, intense thought, depending on the context.