feel down

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel down" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It means to feel sad. For example, "Whenever I am feeling down, I always turn to my friends for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We feel down right now".

The New York Times - Sports

"It made me feel down," he said.

The New York Times

You do that by making people feel down about themselves.

The Guardian

When I feel down, I go to the city centre.

The Guardian

Psychotherapy can help you examine the patterns in life that may be making you feel down.

Harvard University

"I don't want anyone to feel down," he said of his teammates.

The New York Times

You just feel down when you lose by such a small margin".

Independent

She said having her period while homeless made her feel down and depressed.

Independent

There are times when you feel down, but you have to pick yourself up.

Independent

"I'm aware that, if you feel down, it can be strangely unrelated to circumstances around you.

Independent

They won't feel down and out.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While "feel down" is generally understood as feeling sad or depressed, more specific terms might better capture the intensity or nature of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "feel down" in highly formal or professional contexts where more precise or sophisticated language is expected. Opt for terms like "disheartened" or "dissatisfied" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel down" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, where "feel" is the main verb expressing a state of being, and "down" is an adverb modifying the verb, indicating a lowered emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

38%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel down" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a state of sadness or dejection, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. With 52 examples, Ludwig illustrates its widespread use across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally acceptable, it's worth noting that "feel down" leans towards a neutral to informal register. Therefore, when aiming for utmost precision and formality in Academic or Professional spheres, opting for synonyms like "disheartened" or "dissatisfied" might be more appropriate. Overall, understanding the subtle nuances and contexts of "feel down" will help you communicate your emotions effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sad

Simplifies the phrase to a basic emotional state.

feel depressed

Uses a single adjective instead of a verb and adverb to describe the feeling.

be unhappy

Uses a more general adjective to describe a lack of happiness.

feel blue

Employs a color metaphor to convey sadness.

have the blues

Employs a blues idiom.

be in low spirits

Uses a more formal idiom to indicate a state of unhappiness.

be downhearted

Replaces the verb and adverb with a single adjective.

feel dejected

Employs a more descriptive adjective to express discouragement.

feel despondent

Uses a stronger adjective to convey a sense of hopelessness.

be crestfallen

Describes feeling deflated or disappointed.

FAQs

What does "feel down" mean?

The phrase "feel down" means to experience a state of sadness, unhappiness, or mild depression. It suggests a temporary dip in mood.

What can I say instead of "feel down"?

You can use alternatives like "feel depressed", "feel blue", or "be sad", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "feel down" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "feel down" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "disheartened" or "dissatisfied".

How can I use "feel down" in a sentence?

You can use "feel down" in a sentence like this: "I often "feel down" after a long day at work." or "She "feels down" when it rains."