dark thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

"dark thoughts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's mental state that involves depressing or worrying thoughts. For example, "She had been filled with dark thoughts ever since her father passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Dark thoughts indeed.

The Economist

What dark thoughts?

The Guardian

Dark thoughts troubled him.

The Guardian - Sport

I was thinking dark thoughts".

The New York Times - Books

When you pout, you spill dark thoughts in a pot.

The New Yorker

We shared dark thoughts that are now front-page news.

The New York Times

I became a wreck, overwhelmed by dark thoughts.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's hard not to have dark thoughts".

The Guardian

Dark thoughts, his visitor was told, were out of place.

The New York Times

Pushing dark thoughts aside, I went inside and up to the dressing room.

The New York Times

Recently closed auto plants are sad places, enough to drive the sunniest disposition to dark thoughts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dark thoughts", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of negativity or severity. Alternatives might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to express.

Common error

Avoid using "dark thoughts" lightly in everyday conversation. Its strong connotation can be disproportionate if used for minor anxieties or worries.

Linguistic Context

"Dark thoughts" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a collection of negative, troubling, or depressing ideas that occupy a person's mind. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dark thoughts" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe negative or troubling mental states. Ludwig AI validates this, highlighting its frequent appearance in diverse sources such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its usage spans from neutral to formal contexts, effectively conveying emotional distress or inner turmoil. When choosing to use "dark thoughts", it's essential to consider its strong connotation and ensure it aligns with the intended severity of the situation. Alternatives like "troubling thoughts" or "disturbing thoughts" may provide a more nuanced approach depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubling thoughts

Focuses on the anxiety and unease caused by the thoughts.

disturbing thoughts

Highlights the unsettling and alarming nature of the thoughts.

depressing thoughts

Directly describes the thoughts as causing sadness and low spirits.

dismal thoughts

Focuses on the depressing and hopeless nature of the thoughts.

gloomy thoughts

Highlights the pessimistic and melancholic aspect of the thoughts.

bleak thoughts

Emphasizes the stark and unwelcoming nature of the thoughts.

grim thoughts

Stresses the harsh and unappealing quality of the thoughts.

shady thoughts

Implies suspicious or morally questionable ideas, adding a layer of distrust.

murky thoughts

Suggests that the thoughts are unclear and confused, possibly sinister.

sinister thoughts

Indicates a sense of evil or malevolence in the thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "dark thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "dark thoughts" to describe a state of mind filled with negativity, worry, or depression. For example, "After losing his job, he was plagued by dark thoughts." or "She tried to push the dark thoughts away, but they kept returning."

What are some synonyms for "dark thoughts"?

Some synonyms for "dark thoughts" include "troubling thoughts", "disturbing thoughts", "depressing thoughts", or "gloomy thoughts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "dark thoughts"?

The phrase "dark thoughts" is appropriate when describing significant emotional distress, anxiety, or depressive states. It's often used in literature, psychology, and personal narratives to convey a serious mental state.

Is "dark thoughts" too strong a phrase for everyday worries?

Yes, "dark thoughts" is generally too strong for everyday worries. It's best reserved for describing more intense and persistent negative thinking patterns. For minor concerns, consider using phrases like "worrisome thoughts" or "anxious feelings".