drowning in the void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drowning in the void" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed, lost, or in a state of despair. Example: "After the loss of her job, she felt as if she were drowning in the void, unable to see a way forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Maps" shows these children as at once spoiled and deprived and destroyed, drowning in the void of the-sky's-the-limit and nothing-is-ever-enough, consuming their past to feed their dreams, or, to invert a phrase from "Histoire(s) du Cinéma," burning their reality to heat their imagination.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, David Dow is in Texas, drowning in the death penalty.

The New York Times - Books

One night he dreamed he was drowning in the sea.

The Guardian

You've found the signal drowning in the noise.

TechCrunch

Drowning in the ocean?

HuffPost

She drowned in the ocean.

The New Yorker

The mules drown in the river.

Yale University

Some drowned in the river.

The Guardian

I drowned in the silence.

The New Yorker

Citi almost drowned in the red ink.

The Economist

Maximiliano Moret, drowned in the Marañón River.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drowning in the void" to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by emptiness, despair, or a lack of meaning. It's a strong metaphor for feeling lost and without direction.

Common error

Avoid using "drowning in the void" in contexts where a literal description is more appropriate. The phrase is most effective as a metaphor for emotional or existential states, not physical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drowning in the void" functions as a metaphor, conveying a sense of being overwhelmed by emptiness or a lack of meaning. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is used to describe an emotional or existential state rather than a physical one.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drowning in the void" is a grammatically sound and evocative metaphor used to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed by emptiness, loss, or lack of purpose. While not a highly frequent expression, Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as literary works or journalistic pieces, where emotional depth and metaphorical language are appropriate. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey intense feelings of despair and disorientation. As suggested by Ludwig, related phrases include "lost in oblivion", "submerged in nothingness", and "consumed by emptiness". When employing this phrase, it is crucial to use it metaphorically, avoiding literal interpretations that could diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lost in oblivion

Emphasizes the state of being completely forgotten or unknown.

Submerged in nothingness

Highlights the absence of meaning or substance.

Consumed by emptiness

Focuses on the destructive power of feeling empty.

Engulfed by the abyss

Uses a darker, more dramatic image of being swallowed by a bottomless pit.

Swallowed by the vacuum

Emphasizes the feeling of being pulled into a state of nothingness.

Lost in the immensity

Focuses on the feeling of being small and insignificant.

Overwhelmed by the infinite

Highlights the feeling of being unable to cope with something boundless.

Sinking into despair

Emphasizes the emotional state of hopelessness.

Dissolving into the unknown

Suggests a gradual fading away into obscurity.

Adrift in the cosmos

Evokes a sense of being lost and without direction in the vastness of space.

FAQs

How can I use "drowning in the void" in a sentence?

You can use "drowning in the void" to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed by emptiness, despair, or a lack of purpose. For example, "After losing her job and her partner, she felt like she was "drowning in the void".".

What does it mean to feel like you're "drowning in the void"?

Feeling like you're "drowning in the void" means experiencing a profound sense of emptiness, loss, or lack of direction. It suggests a state of being overwhelmed by nothingness and struggling to find meaning or purpose.

Are there similar expressions to "drowning in the void" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases like "lost in oblivion", "submerged in nothingness", or "consumed by emptiness" to convey a similar feeling of being overwhelmed by a lack of meaning or purpose.

Is "drowning in the void" a common expression?

While "drowning in the void" is not a highly common expression, it is a recognizable and evocative metaphor. Its usage depends on the context and the desired impact on the reader.