can be depressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be depressing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to cause feelings of sadness or gloom. Example: "The constant news about climate change can be depressing for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can be depressing.

The New York Times - Sports

BRITISH universities can be depressing.

The Economist

That can be depressing.

The New York Times

This extreme mechanical view can be depressing.

The New Yorker

It's difficult; it can be depressing.

The New Yorker

I know I can be depressing sometimes.

The Guardian

But the result can be depressing.

The New York Times

Indeed, he initially laments that the subject "can be depressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

It makes everyday life a challenge, and it can be depressing.

The Guardian

During the past few years Chelsea became a one-stop-shopping destination for high-style contemporary architecture as well as high-end art, and the results can be depressing.

The New York Times - Arts

Watching a FB photo montage of your former classmates having kids, and your brother's cat traveling in nicer clothes than yours across Europe, can be depressing.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's perspective when using "can be depressing". If your goal is to offer reassurance, balance it with solutions or positive outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "can be depressing" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "may be disheartening" or "might be discouraging" to prevent monotony and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be depressing" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's potential to cause feelings of sadness or dejection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be depressing" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the potential for something to cause sadness or gloom. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While it's a common phrase, varying your language and providing context is crucial to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives such as "may be disheartening" or "might be discouraging" offer subtle differences in meaning and can enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be disheartening

Replaces "can be" with "may be", softening the certainty of the statement.

might be discouraging

Focuses on the potential to lose motivation or enthusiasm.

could be demoralizing

Emphasizes a loss of confidence or morale.

can feel oppressive

Shifts the focus to a feeling of being weighed down or burdened.

can induce melancholy

Uses a more formal term for sadness and reflection.

may evoke sadness

Highlights the potential to cause feelings of sorrow.

can generate despair

Focuses on a complete loss of hope.

can lead to gloom

Highlights the potential to produce a state of darkness or unhappiness.

might prove saddening

More formal and less direct than "can be depressing".

can make one despondent

Indicates a loss of courage or hope

FAQs

How can I use "can be depressing" in a sentence?

Use "can be depressing" to express that something has the potential to cause feelings of sadness or gloom. For example: "The news about the economy "can be depressing" for many people."

What can I say instead of "can be depressing"?

You can use alternatives like "may be disheartening", "might be discouraging", or "could be demoralizing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can become depressing"?

Yes, "can become depressing" is grammatically correct and emphasizes a process or change over time, whereas ""can be depressing"" describes a more static potential. Both are valid depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Which is a stronger statement, "can be depressing" or "is depressing"?

"Is depressing" is a stronger, more definitive statement. "Can be depressing" indicates a possibility or tendency, while "is depressing" asserts a current state.