go numb

USAGE SUMMARY

"go numb" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical sensation, often implying a temporary or mild numbing feeling. For example, "My feet began to go numb from standing so long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brains and fingers go numb.

The New York Times - Science

Ulises felt his body go numb.

The Washington Post

So your fingers can go numb a little faster and your toes can go numb a little faster".

The New York Times - Sports

His legs go numb if he stands for too long.

The New Yorker

"I started to go numb in my legs.

The Guardian - Books

His left foot would go numb or drag.

The New York Times - Sports

"At that moment I go numb," Mrs. Castro said.

The New York Times

Back in her apartment, she felt her body begin to swell and go numb.

The New Yorker

Let me see how much I can clear up before my fingertips go numb.

The New York Times

Will you have a natural birth or go numb from the waist down?

Independent

Sometimes I'm afraid to hold my daughter; my arm can go numb at any time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go numb" to describe a temporary loss of physical sensation or emotional feeling. Be specific about which part of the body or what emotion is affected for clarity. For example: "My fingers go numb when it's cold" or "I go numb when I think about her death".

Common error

Avoid using "go numb" too loosely to describe general emotional states. While it can describe emotional detachment, overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, consider more precise terms like "become apathetic" or "feel detached" for broader emotional states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go numb" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a process of losing sensation or feeling, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing the onset of numbness in body parts or as a reaction to emotional shock.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go numb" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the loss of physical or emotional sensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "go numb", it's important to be specific about the affected area or emotion for clarity, and to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. Alternatives like "lose sensation" or "become desensitized" can provide more precise descriptions in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose sensation

Focuses specifically on the physical loss of feeling.

lose feeling

Similar to 'lose sensation', but slightly more general and applicable to emotional contexts.

become desensitized

Implies a gradual reduction in emotional or physical sensitivity.

experience numbness

Nominalizes the phrase, focusing on the state of numbness rather than the action of becoming numb.

feel nothing

Directly states the absence of feeling, either physically or emotionally.

become unresponsive

Suggests a lack of reaction or awareness, applicable to both physical and emotional states.

become detached

Emphasizes emotional distance and a lack of involvement.

grow apathetic

Highlights a lack of interest or concern, primarily in an emotional context.

fall into insensitivity

Highlights a shift in behavior with a negative connotation that emphasizes the person's lack of empathy or concern.

turn a blind eye

Shifts the context to ignoring or being willfully oblivious to something.

FAQs

How can I use "go numb" in a sentence?

You can use "go numb" to describe a loss of physical sensation or emotional feeling. For example, "My hand started to "go numb" after holding the ice for too long" or "After hearing the news, I felt my emotions "go numb".

What can I say instead of "go numb"?

You can use alternatives like "lose sensation", "become desensitized", or "feel nothing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "went numb" instead of "go numb"?

Yes, "went numb" is the past tense of "go numb" and is perfectly correct. You would use "went numb" to describe something that happened in the past, for example: "My leg "went numb" during the long car ride."

What causes body parts to "go numb"?

Numbness can be caused by a variety of factors, including prolonged pressure on nerves, exposure to cold temperatures, or certain medical conditions. If you frequently experience body parts that "go numb", it's best to consult a doctor.