low spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'low spirits' is a naturally occurring phrase which is perfectly acceptable to use in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's state of being, to indicate that the person is feeling down or discouraged. Example: My friend has been in low spirits ever since she received the news that her grandfather was ill.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Izon's almost catatonic performance reflected his low spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was in very low spirits," she said.

The New York Times

At the end of August 1966, the young Russian poet Joseph Brodsky was in low spirits.

Stanford University

[Morning and in low spirits. A scene in a lock up house] [graphic].

Yale University

Argentines have had low spirits lately because of a deep recession.

The New York Times - Travel

Now and then tracer fire, terror-struck people, a collapsed economy, rundown hotels and low spirits.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

But it was not time wasted, because the modern melancholic had found a kindred low spirit, someone equally mortified by the ease with which life could waste away.

The New Yorker

The record might be his if anyone had the strength to challenge Kipsang over the final five-plus miles as he ran alone, arms low, spirit high.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a significant improvement on the following domains at six-month follow-up compared to baseline: pain (p=.039), problems with more strenuous physical activities (p=.037), reduced energy and strength (p<.001), and low spirit (p=.007).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

It measures 8 different domains: Pain, problems with light physical activities, problems with more strenuous physical activities, problems doing your job, reduced energy and strength, low spirit, reduced social life and sleeping problems.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Patients were asked to score the eight domains of the DOLOtest (1 to 100 on a visual analogue scale): pain, problems with light physical activities, problems with more strenuous physical activities, problems doing your job, reduced energy and strength, low spirit, reduced social life, and sleeping problems.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "low spirits". While generally acceptable, more precise language might better convey the specific emotion or situation.

Common error

While "low spirits" is widely understood, using more specific and nuanced vocabulary (e.g., "despondent", "melancholy") can enhance clarity and impact, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low spirits" functions as a noun phrase describing a state of sadness, dejection, or discouragement. According to Ludwig AI, it's a naturally occurring phrase. Examples show its use to describe temporary emotional states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low spirits" is a commonly used phrase to describe a state of sadness or discouragement. Ludwig AI confirms its natural occurrence in English. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its appropriateness depends on the context, with more specific vocabulary sometimes preferred in formal settings. This analysis, supported by examples from various sources including The New York Times and The Guardian, highlights its neutral register and frequent use in news, academic and scientific domains. The phrase serves to effectively communicate a negative emotional state, though alternatives like "feeling down" or "dejected" may offer nuanced shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling down

This is a more informal and general way of expressing sadness or unhappiness.

dispirited

This implies a loss of energy and motivation.

feeling dejected

This implies a sense of disappointment and discouragement, often due to a specific event.

downhearted

This suggests a loss of courage or enthusiasm.

feeling despondent

This suggests a deeper sense of hopelessness and despair.

crestfallen

This indicates a feeling of disappointment and humiliation.

feeling blue

This is an idiomatic expression for feeling sad or melancholy.

heavy-hearted

This describes a feeling of sorrow and grief.

in a melancholy mood

This refers to a prolonged state of pensive sadness.

in the doldrums

This suggests a state of inactivity, stagnation, and low spirits.

FAQs

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

You can use "low spirits" to describe someone who is feeling sad, dejected, or discouraged. For example, "After failing the exam, he was in "low spirits" for days."

What are some synonyms for "low spirits"?

Some synonyms for "low spirits" include "feeling down", "feeling dejected", "feeling despondent", and "downhearted".

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

While "low spirits" is generally acceptable, it may be more appropriate to use more formal or specific language in professional or academic contexts, such as "despondency" or "melancholy."

What causes someone to be in "low spirits"?

Many factors can contribute to someone being in "low spirits", including disappointment, loss, stress, or seasonal changes. Persistent "low spirits" may also indicate an underlying mental health condition.