in high spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

"in high spirits" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is in a positive and uplifting mood, usually due to a recent success or victory. For example, "Mary was in high spirits after acing her final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are in high spirits.

Independent

He is in high spirits".

The New York Times

In high spirits?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He is always in high spirits.

Independent

It was Bob, in high spirits.

The New Yorker

They began in high spirits.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone seemed in high spirits.

The New York Times - Magazine

David was in high spirits.

The Guardian - Books

He was always in high spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

Gollner endures it all in high spirits.

The New York Times - Books

Fans in high spirits provide unforgettable moments.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in high spirits" to describe a generally cheerful or optimistic mood, especially when someone is facing challenges or celebrating a success. For example, "Despite the setback, the team remained in high spirits."

Common error

Avoid using "in high spirits" when describing situations involving solemnity or grief. The phrase is best suited for positive or resilient attitudes, not somber occasions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in high spirits" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner or state of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a positive and uplifting mood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in high spirits" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone who is cheerful and happy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media, and is suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context, avoiding its use in somber situations. Consider alternatives like "in good cheer" or "feeling elated" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in good cheer

Focuses on a general feeling of cheerfulness and positive mood.

feeling elated

Emphasizes a strong feeling of joy and excitement.

in a joyful mood

Highlights the emotional state of being happy and content.

full of glee

Conveys a sense of playful and exuberant joy.

merry

A simpler adjective that also implies being happy and festive.

exuberant

Focuses on an abundance of energy and enthusiasm.

walking on air

Idiomatic expression indicating extreme happiness and lightness.

on cloud nine

Idiomatic expression indicating perfect happiness.

overjoyed

Expresses immense happiness, often due to a specific event.

delighted

A more formal way of expressing great pleasure and satisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "in high spirits" in a sentence?

Use "in high spirits" to describe someone who is cheerful and happy. For example, "After the victory, the team was "in high spirits"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in high spirits"?

You can use alternatives like "in good cheer", "feeling elated", or "in a joyful mood" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "in high spirits" in formal writing?

Yes, "in high spirits" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "delighted" may be preferred in highly formal settings.

What does it mean to be "in high spirits"?

Being "in high spirits" means being cheerful, happy, and optimistic. It often implies a positive attitude despite challenges.