it seems depressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems depressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a perception or feeling about a situation, event, or piece of information that evokes sadness or negativity. Example: "After reading the report on climate change, it seems depressing to think about the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It seems depressing that we are so squeamish that we can't credit youngsters with seeing the context for texts.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I don't remember much about Bury, apart from the last day: the way the English teacher insisted TS Eliot's The Waste Land was an optimistic poem; the way I said it seemed depressing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a grimly serious side to "Don Giovanni," but in this production, with Margherita Palli's charcoal gray and monumentally ugly set, the opera just seems depressing.

The New York Times - Arts

Go into his or her office, and confidently inform him or her that the workplace seems depressing.

WikiHow

While it might seem depressing that a gorilla in a zoo is drawn to some tiny screen over the company of his roommates fellow gorillas Bengati, Kicho, and Cecil Jelani is pretty up-to-date on the little rectangles we spend our days staring at.

Vice

He seems depressed by it all, too, even tries to find warmth where there may not be any.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And that scene where he seems depressed?

The New York Times

Tyrion seems depressed; so does the Lannister army.

The New Yorker

He seems depressed even at his happiest; she is upbeat and flamboyant, especially when things so wrong; they are so destined for each another yet so doomed.

The New York Times

If a pregnant or nursing mother cat seems depressed LEAVE HER ALONE.

WikiHow

But that just seemed depressing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seems depressing", ensure the context is clear and the sentiment aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Overuse can weaken your message, so vary your phrasing for a more impactful narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems depressing" as a standalone statement without providing context or evidence. This can come across as simplistic and fail to convey the depth of feeling you intend to express. Add supporting details or examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems depressing" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a subjective perception of something as disheartening. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems depressing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically conveying a sentiment of sadness or discouragement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common usage across various contexts. While not overly formal, it's suitable for both news and general conversational settings. Remember to provide clear context when using the phrase to effectively communicate the depth of feeling you intend to express, and consider alternative phrases to avoid overuse. Several authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian employ this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears disheartening

Replaces "seems depressing" with a more formal and slightly less intense expression.

it's rather disheartening

Emphasizes the emotional impact, portraying a sense of lost enthusiasm.

it feels bleak

Focuses on the emotional impact, suggesting a sense of hopelessness.

it's quite dispiriting

Focuses on a loss of morale and a reduction in enthusiasm.

it looks grim

Emphasizes a negative visual impression, implying a lack of hope.

it sounds discouraging

Shifts the focus to auditory information, suggesting a lack of encouragement.

it strikes a pessimistic note

Highlights the negativity and potentially overstates the situation.

it gives off a sad vibe

Uses informal language to convey a feeling of sadness.

it evokes a sense of despair

Implies a strong feeling of hopelessness, perhaps more intense than the original phrase.

it presents a gloomy picture

Offers a visual metaphor for a negative situation or outlook.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems depressing" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems depressing" to express that something gives off a disheartening impression. For instance, "After reading the report, "it seems depressing" to think about the future."

What are some alternatives to saying "it seems depressing"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears disheartening", "it feels bleak", or "it looks grim" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems depressing" in writing?

It's suitable when you want to express a feeling that something appears sad or disheartening based on available information. Make sure your assessment is justified by the context provided.

Is "it seems depressing" formal or informal?

The phrase "it seems depressing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more sophisticated vocabulary may be preferable in very formal writing.