feeling blue

USAGE SUMMARY

'feeling blue' is an idiom used to describe being sad or depressed, and it is often used in written English.
For example: "I'm feeling blue today after saying goodbye to my old friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Try it the next time you're feeling blue; even ten minutes of active movement can make you feel significantly better.

Forbes

(Who's feeling blue?, 5 October).

The Guardian

AS GERMANY powers ahead, France is feeling blue.

The Economist

"We were feeling blue that day," Ms. Hailes recalled.

The New York Times

Richard Branson is feeling blue about JetBlue Airways.

The New York Times

Such goodwill would be far more useful when one is feeling blue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I hear that you've been poorly, I'm sorry that you're feeling blue.

The Guardian

If you're feeling blue, you can talk with a health care provider before "trying out" Prozac or other antidepressants.

Columbia University

Anyone feeling blue had best avoid the funereal creep through the murder ballad Down in the Willow Garden.

The Guardian - Music

Notre Dame ran on the field wearing green jerseys and slumped off it feeling blue, vanquished by Boston College.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Don't fuck with your phone", and "Feeling Blue-tooth?".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. While widely understood, the idiom may not resonate with all cultures or age groups. Ensure it aligns with your intended readership.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "feeling blue", especially in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary to create a richer and more nuanced expression of emotions. Alternatives like "feeling sad" or "feeling down" might be more appropriate in some contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling blue" functions as an idiomatic expression, where 'feeling' acts as a gerund modifying 'blue', which itself is used metaphorically to represent sadness or melancholy. This usage is supported by Ludwig and is prevalent in various forms of communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling blue" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey sadness or melancholy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood. While frequently used in news and media, it appears less often in formal academic writing. Alternatives like "feeling sad" or "feeling down" can be used, depending on the context. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase and consider your audience to ensure effective communication. If your feeling of sadness persists for an extended period, it's always a good idea to seek professional help.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling down

A more general term for feeling unhappy or low in spirits.

feeling sad

A direct and straightforward expression of sadness.

in low spirits

Indicates a state of dejection or unhappiness.

having the blues

Similar in meaning, but often associated with a prolonged state of sadness.

down in the dumps

An informal expression for feeling depressed or unhappy.

feeling melancholic

A more formal term for experiencing a thoughtful sadness.

disheartened

Feeling a loss of courage or enthusiasm.

crestfallen

Expresses disappointment and sadness, often after a setback.

despondent

Expresses a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.

grief-stricken

Implies a deeper level of sorrow, often related to loss or bereavement.

FAQs

What does "feeling blue" mean?

"Feeling blue" is an idiom that means feeling sad or depressed. It's a common expression used to describe a state of melancholy or unhappiness.

What can I say instead of "feeling blue"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling sad", "feeling down", or "in low spirits" depending on the context.

Is "feeling blue" a formal or informal expression?

"Feeling blue" is generally considered an informal expression. While widely understood, it may not be suitable for highly formal writing. In those cases you may prefer a more neutral term as "feeling melancholy".

How long can I be "feeling blue" before I should seek help?

It's normal to experience sadness from time to time. However, if you are "feeling down" for more than two weeks, it's recommended to consult with a health care professional.