dangerous mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dangerous mood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of mind that is risky or likely to lead to harmful actions or consequences. Example: "After hearing the news, he fell into a dangerous mood, contemplating decisions that could jeopardize his future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The song continues the ruminative yet quietly dangerous mood already established.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a dangerous mood of isolationism running in our country.

The Guardian - Opinion

You mention the political subtext to the story's disappearances as well, which becomes more apparent as soldiers enter the story they seem to mark the increasingly dangerous mood.

The New Yorker

"Dangerous Mood" was a sexy frolic given a jolt by the source of its singer's new self-confidence: he'd just told off his boss and quit his job.

The New York Times - Arts

Guillaume Henry of Carven also was in a dangerous mood, with a woman in mind, as the press notes said ominously, who finds herself "in an unusual and violent environment".

The New York Times

Others may be more cynical, suspecting that bosses are not as unusually talented as they claim, so that others could do as good (or as mediocre) a job for less.This is a dangerous mood, transcending labels of left and right.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

All of that is again on display in his latest story collection, which pairs dark but realistic stories (a Jewish boy who grows up to be an anti-Semitic conspiracy theorist, for example) with unsettling questions about the growing influence of technology (in one story, the narrator falls victim to a dangerous, mood-altering spray).

Columbia University

Why it's dangerous: The combination of uppers and downers can cause severe mood swings.

Forbes

From George Galloway declaring Bradford an "Israel-free zone" to Islamists in the East End of London raising jihadist flags, a dangerous antisemitic mood is growing.

The Guardian - Opinion

New research suggests that romance novels are deeply dangerous: addictive, mood- and mind-altering, adultery-inducing distractions that make it impossible for women to put down their books and start worshiping their real husbands.

The New Yorker

He added that "dangerous bureaucratic moods" might appear and that the "consequences of poorly thought out actions would immediately affect the economy and arouse political confusion".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dangerous mood" to describe not only individuals but also the collective sentiment of a group or even a nation, as seen in examples concerning political unrest or societal shifts.

Common error

Avoid using "dangerous mood" interchangeably with "mood swings". "Dangerous mood" implies a consistent state of mind that poses a threat, while "mood swings" refers to rapid and often unpredictable changes in emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dangerous mood" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "dangerous" modifies the noun "mood". It describes a state of mind characterized by potential risk or instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to depict situations or individuals prone to negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dangerous mood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a potentially harmful or unstable state of mind. Ludwig AI analysis and real-world examples confirm its usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of warning and is suitable for describing individuals, groups, or even broader societal sentiments. While "dangerous mood" is distinct from "mood swings", it's important to avoid confusing them, as the former implies a sustained threat, while the latter refers to fluctuating emotions. When using the phrase, consider its specific connotations to accurately portray the intended level of risk or volatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perilous state of mind

Emphasizes the risk associated with someone's mental condition.

threatening atmosphere

Focuses on the ominous or menacing feeling present in a situation.

volatile emotional state

Highlights the instability and potential for sudden changes in emotion.

risky frame of mind

Indicates a mindset that could lead to poor decisions or actions.

unstable disposition

Suggests a lack of emotional equilibrium and predictability.

treacherous mindset

Implies a deceptive or unreliable mental state.

precarious mental state

Stresses the fragility and potential for decline in someone's mental health.

ominous undercurrent

Refers to a subtle but foreboding feeling or atmosphere.

unpredictable temper

Highlights the erratic nature and potential for anger.

explosive temperament

Indicates a propensity for sudden and intense emotional outbursts.

FAQs

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

You can use "dangerous mood" to describe a person's state of mind, such as, "After losing the deal, he was in a "dangerous mood" all day." It can also describe a broader situation: "There's a "dangerous mood" in the country due to the economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "dangerous mood"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "volatile emotional state", "threatening atmosphere", or "risky frame of mind". The best choice depends on whether you are emphasizing instability, menace, or potential for poor judgment.

Is it correct to say someone is "having a dangerous mood"?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common and natural to say someone "is in a dangerous mood". The phrase "having a dangerous mood" is less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "dangerous mood" and "bad mood"?

"Bad mood" simply implies unhappiness or irritability. "Dangerous mood" suggests a potential for harmful actions or decisions. The key difference is the level of risk and potential consequences associated with the mood.