dark feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or somber emotional state, often associated with sadness, fear, or anxiety. Example: "As she walked through the empty streets at night, a dark feeling settled in her chest, making her uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It somehow had this dark feeling".

The New York Times - Food

CONS: The house has a dark feeling.

The New York Times

"There was this dark feeling over me, and I couldn't.

The New York Times - Magazine

He sits there in the dark, feeling suddenly exhausted and sick of the jungle.

The New Yorker

She walks along a corridor in the dark, "feeling" the indoor plants in her path with her vibrating whiskers.

The Guardian

"At the time I wrote the movie, I was feeling kinda dark, feeling maybe that I was turning into somebody I didn't like.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Holding grudges or dark feelings just seem petty and senseless and I feel free in spirit.

Huffington Post

"I have pretty dark feelings about Russia," he says.

The New York Times

He managed to convey dark feelings even when using bright color.

The New York Times - Arts

The poem portrayed the dark feelings of grief and despair of that phase.

The New York Times

There's all sorts of dark feelings that bubble up, a lot of sadness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark feeling" to describe a pervasive sense of unease, sadness, or foreboding that is not necessarily tied to a specific event or cause. It suggests a deeper, more internal experience than just simple unhappiness.

Common error

Avoid using "dark feeling" to describe fleeting moments of sadness or disappointment. This phrase is more appropriate for persistent, unsettling emotions rather than momentary downturns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark feeling" functions primarily as a subjective description of an emotional or psychological state. Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly portrays a negative or somber state associated with sadness, fear, or anxiety.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dark feeling" is a phrase used to describe a negative emotional state, often associated with sadness, fear, or anxiety. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as wiki sources, and can be used to convey a sense of unease or foreboding. Related phrases include "gloomy sensation" and "sense of dread". When using this phrase, it's best to describe persistent and unsettling emotions, rather than temporary sadness. Remember, a "dark feeling" represents an internal state, whereas a "dark mood" is a more outwardly visible disposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gloomy sensation

Replaces 'feeling' with 'sensation', focusing on the physical aspect of the emotion.

heavy emotion

Uses a more general term 'emotion' instead of 'feeling', conveying intensity.

oppressive mood

Shifts the focus from personal feeling to the surrounding atmosphere.

sense of dread

Highlights the anticipatory anxiety aspect of a dark feeling.

melancholic sentiment

Implies a reflective sadness, a more poetic connotation.

foreboding atmosphere

Emphasizes an ominous sense of impending negative events.

unease

A more subtle, lighter intensity than "dark feeling".

despondency

Highlights the depressive aspect of the emotional state.

bleak outlook

Focuses on a pessimistic perspective rather than a direct emotion.

inner turmoil

Highlights internal unrest and struggle.

FAQs

How can I describe a "dark feeling" in more detail?

To elaborate on a "dark feeling", consider specifying its characteristics: is it a "sense of dread", a pervasive sadness, or an overwhelming anxiety? Providing context helps convey the depth and nature of the emotion.

What are some situations where someone might experience a "dark feeling"?

A "dark feeling" can arise during periods of prolonged stress, after experiencing significant loss, or when facing uncertain futures. It's often associated with a general sense of unease and foreboding.

When is it appropriate to use "dark feeling" in writing?

Use "dark feeling" when you want to emphasize the intensity and depth of a negative emotion. It's suitable for describing internal states in literature, personal narratives, or when discussing mental health.

Is "dark feeling" interchangeable with "dark mood"?

While similar, "dark feeling" describes an internal emotional state, whereas "dark mood" suggests a more outwardly visible disposition. A "dark feeling" might contribute to a "dark mood", but they aren't always directly linked.