getting really sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting really sad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a growing feeling of sadness or emotional distress in various contexts, such as storytelling or personal reflections. Example: "As the news unfolded, I could feel myself getting really sad about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I mean, come on, the whole thing is getting really sad".

The New York Times

A user known as "amaeryllis" (Twitter bio: "business lawyer, feminist, eccentric") expressed grief: I'm actually getting really sad that my neighborhood is being destroyed.

The New York Times

"Some people get into such a negative cycle that they just start getting really sad or it can create a lot of anxiety," she adds.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I also get really sad.

The New York Times

"People get really sad if they don't get the hat they want," Zuber said.

The New Yorker

I look at pictures of you and the kids and I get really sad... Bruce died".

Independent

"I got really sad for those kids and I thought a cuddly bear could help them".

The New York Times

Every summer she gets really sad when she has nowhere to go".

The New Yorker

Every time they see their moms, children at that age get really sad".

The New York Times - Sports

"We get really sad about our lives and then we get embarrassed about the way we behave," laughs Mark.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"She always felt she was close to death, and when she got sad, she got really sad," Mr. de Almeida said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "getting really sad", consider the intensity you want to convey. If you're aiming for a more nuanced expression, try alternatives like "becoming quite upset" or "feeling increasingly sorrowful".

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "really" as an intensifier. While grammatically correct, overusing it can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Explore stronger adjectives or adverbs to convey the depth of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting really sad" functions as a verb phrase, where "getting" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective phrase "really sad". It describes a state of becoming or transitioning into sadness, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting really sad" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a growing feeling of sadness. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides various real-world examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Vice. While "getting really sad" is acceptable in many contexts, exploring alternatives such as "becoming deeply sorrowful" or "feeling intensely unhappy" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid overusing intensifiers like "really" and consider the specific emotion you want to convey to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming quite upset

Replaces "really sad" with a milder expression of emotional distress.

feeling intensely unhappy

Substitutes "getting" with "feeling" and "really sad" with "intensely unhappy", changing the focus to a feeling.

experiencing profound sadness

Highlights the depth and significance of the sadness.

becoming deeply sorrowful

Replaces "really sad" with a more formal and intense expression of sorrow.

falling into a dark mood

Indicates a somber and gloomy emotional state.

growing increasingly despondent

Uses "despondent" for a stronger sense of sadness and hopelessness.

descending into melancholy

Suggests a gradual transition into a state of pensive sadness.

starting to feel down

A more casual way of expressing the beginning of sadness.

feeling the blues

An informal way of saying someone is feeling sad or depressed.

sinking into despair

Implies a deeper and more prolonged state of sadness.

FAQs

What does "getting really sad" mean?

The phrase "getting really sad" describes the process of gradually becoming more and more sad or experiencing an increase in sadness.

What can I say instead of "getting really sad"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming quite upset", "feeling intensely unhappy", or "growing increasingly despondent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "getting really sad"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, you may want to consider more descriptive or nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

How can I make my writing more descriptive when expressing sadness?

Instead of "getting really sad", try using more specific adjectives like "despondent", "melancholy", or "sorrowful" to better convey the depth and nature of the sadness. Consider describing the physical sensations or thoughts associated with the emotion.