feeling down

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is feeling depressed or sad. For example, "John had been feeling down lately, so his friends decided to take him out for a night on the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are you feeling down, depressed or hopeless?

The New York Times

By 1993, I was feeling down.

The Washington Post

If you're feeling down, follow some of these guidelines.

The Guardian - Books

"No," he said, indicating he wasn't feeling down.

The New York Times - Sports

The other day a friend of mine was feeling down.

The New York Times - Travel

It's important to distinguish feeling down or depressed from true clinical depression that requires treatment.

Harvard University

Holidays have you feeling down?

University of Chicago

"I was feeling down on myself," she says.

Duke University

White bedroom walls got you feeling down?

HuffPost

1. You're feeling down in the dumps.

HuffPost

Recent events have you feeling down?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, be mindful of the context. While "feeling down" is generally acceptable, consider stronger or more specific language (e.g., "depressed", "sad", "disheartened") depending on the desired impact.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling down" as a catch-all phrase. It's better to specify the emotion being experienced such as "feeling anxious", "feeling grief", "feeling disappointed", in order to give more clarity to the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling down" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used as a predicate adjective to describe a subject's emotional state. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in indicating sadness, depression, or hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling down" is a common and generally acceptable phrase to describe a state of sadness or low spirits. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for general use, but more specific language may be appropriate in formal contexts or when greater clarity is required. While widely used in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose the most fitting alternative. The phrase's frequency and variety of source contexts highlight its widespread understanding and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down in the dumps

This phrase intensifies the feeling of being down, suggesting a lower emotional state.

feeling blue

This is an idiomatic expression for sadness or depression.

experiencing sadness

This alternative focuses on the emotion of sadness, without necessarily implying a prolonged state.

heavy-hearted

This alternative emphasizes the emotional burden or sadness someone is experiencing.

in low spirits

This alternative emphasizes a lack of cheerfulness or enthusiasm.

crestfallen

This word emphasizes disappointment or dejection.

depressed mood

This option uses more clinical language to describe the state of mind.

under the weather

This idiom can refer to feeling unwell physically or emotionally.

having a bad day

This alternative suggests a temporary state of unhappiness.

not myself

This expression indicates a deviation from one's typical mood or behavior.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "feeling down"?

Saying someone is "feeling down" means they are experiencing a period of sadness, low spirits, or mild depression. It's a general way to express that they are not in a positive emotional state.

What are some alternative phrases for "feeling down"?

Alternatives include "experiencing sadness", "feeling blue", "in low spirits", or "down in the dumps", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feeling down" a formal or informal expression?

"Feeling down" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal contexts, consider using terms like "experiencing sadness" or "depressed mood".

When should I seek professional help if I'm "feeling down"?

If you're "feeling down" persistently for more than a few weeks, or if it's interfering with your daily life, it's a good idea to seek professional help. It's important to distinguish "clinical depression" from temporary sadness.