foul mood

USAGE SUMMARY

"foul mood" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's emotional state when they are feeling angry, irritable, or upset. Example: "After a long day at work, Sarah was in a foul mood. She snapped at her family and just wanted to be left alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

pack is in a particularly foul mood.

The New York Times

I'm in a foul mood, too.

The New Yorker

Both Jesse and Celine are in a foul mood.

The New Yorker

On that day she was in a foul mood.

The New Yorker

These past few days I've been in a foul mood.

The Guardian - Sport

Apparently this has left him in a foul mood.

The New York Times - Sports

The outcry has left Mr. Freiberger in a foul mood.

The New York Times

One night he was in a foul mood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After all, America is in a pretty foul mood itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sir Nicholas Soames, a pedigree Tory MP, seems to be in a foul mood.

Independent

The movie is an ambivalent love letter to a liberal city caught in a foul mood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pay attention to the context. While appropriate in informal writing and news reports, consider alternatives like "irritable disposition" in more formal or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "foul mood" in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too informal or subjective. Opt for more neutral or descriptive terms like "negative sentiment" or "state of discontent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul mood" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "mood". It describes the quality or state of someone's mood, indicating negativity or unpleasantness. Ludwig shows many examples where it is used to describe a temporary state of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foul mood" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a negative emotional state, indicating irritability or anger. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While frequently found in News & Media and general contexts, it's less suited for formal or academic writing. When choosing to use "foul mood", consider the desired intensity and audience. Alternatives like "bad temper" or "irritable disposition" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and level of formality you're aiming for. The phrase is most useful for expressing everyday emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad mood

A more general and less intense way to describe a negative emotional state.

ill humor

A slightly more formal way to express a bad mood.

bad temper

Focuses more on the outward expression of anger and irritability.

unpleasant temper

Highlights the disagreeable nature of the mood.

sour attitude

Highlights a negative and unpleasant outlook.

grumpy disposition

Suggests a habitually bad-tempered state.

cross temper

Indicates a state of being easily angered or annoyed.

irritable disposition

Emphasizes the underlying tendency to become easily annoyed.

crabby state

Suggests a temporary and somewhat mild level of irritability.

grouchy feeling

Implies a grumbling and discontented mood.

FAQs

What does "foul mood" mean?

"Foul mood" describes a state of being irritable, angry, or generally unpleasant. It suggests a negative emotional state.

How can I use "foul mood" in a sentence?

You can use "foul mood" to describe someone's emotional state, such as: "After the argument, he was in a "foul mood" all day."

What are some synonyms for "foul mood"?

Alternatives to "foul mood" include "bad temper", "irritable disposition", or simply "bad mood", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "foul mood" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "foul mood" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "negative sentiment" or "state of discontent".