moody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is prone to sudden changes in mood or temperament. Example: "She can be quite moody, often switching from cheerful to irritable in a matter of minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But this breezy resort on Holland's North Sea coast is better known as an artists' retreat, its moody seascapes, endless dunes and extraordinary light attracting painters, writers and architects who have been leaving their mark on this laid-back and likable village since the 1900s.

The Guardian - Travel

We were standing in what was once Sewingshields milecastle, gaping at the moody desolate Cheviot hills.

The Guardian - Travel

Claude Chabrol's 1968 piece of total French art house madness, is the tale of sadistic bourgeoise Stéphane Audran's obsession with moody art student Jacqueline Sassard.

The Guardian - Film

It sounded pretty good to me, if a bit over-endowed with moody xx/Florence-influenced electronica.

The Guardian

A Great Big World, Passenger, Hozier and Sam Smith – whose breakout slow-burner Stay With Me became an unconventional pop phenomenon – each contributed to a markedly more downbeat, moody year in music.

The Guardian - Music

At this distance the best we could agree about Trouble Every Day is that the sly and moody soundtrack by British band Tindersticks is superb.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Shell's Mr Moody-Stuart says that such "non-traditional oil will eventually behave like non-OPEC oil or marginal fields do today: if OPEC raises prices too much, these sources will help regulate the price".But can this pace of innovation continue?

The Economist

As it happens, Mr Moody-Stuart thinks that Shell is well placed to take the third course, which will prepare it for any longer-term shifts in the industry: "We want to meet our customers' needs for energy, even if that means leaving hydrocarbons behind".The third force shaping the energy business is probably the scariest, as the bosses of California's ailing utilities will tell you: risk.

The Economist

Mr Moody-Stuart thinks the Kyoto pact is crucial because it forces businesses to "put their best and sharpest minds on the task" of reducing carbon emissions.

The Economist

Has the situation changed, or just the man?In this section Advice squad The big issues A case of note Moody Mark, sunny Stephen Leapfrog spotting Inflation warning Less skewed Tips from an ageing model The missing millions ReprintsSome of this is due to a difference in style.

The Economist

An energy boom has helped reduce America's trade deficit, as a percentage of global GDP, to a 16-year low.In this section Advice squad The big issues A case of note Moody Mark, sunny Stephen Leapfrog spotting Inflation warning Less skewed Tips from an ageing model The missing millions Reprints.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, use "moody" to evoke a specific atmosphere. For example, "The moody lighting in the restaurant created a romantic ambiance."

Common error

Avoid using "moody" to describe someone who is simply angry. "Moody" implies a fluctuating emotional state, not just a single burst of anger.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "moody" is as an adjective, used to describe nouns, indicating a state of mind or atmosphere characterized by fluctuating emotions or a particular feeling. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct way to describe something or someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "moody" is an adjective commonly used to describe someone's temperament, a place, or an atmosphere characterized by fluctuating emotions or a particular feeling. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "temperamental" or "gloomy" exist, it's important to ensure that "moody" is not mistaken for mere anger. Employ "moody" to add depth and subjectivity, as in the provided examples, enhancing the expression of changeable emotions or specific atmospheres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temperamental

Refers more specifically to a tendency to be easily upset or angered.

irritable

Focuses on a state of being easily annoyed or provoked.

gloomy

Highlights a sense of darkness, sadness, or pessimism.

sullen

Implies a silent resentment or refusal to be cooperative.

morose

Indicates a deep and persistent sadness.

capricious

Emphasizes unpredictable changes in mood or behavior.

brooding

Suggests a preoccupation with depressing or troubling thoughts.

melancholy

Refers to a pensive sadness, often with a touch of longing.

saturnine

Describes a gloomy or taciturn disposition.

glum

Expresses a dejected or unhappy appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "moody" in a sentence?

You can use "moody" to describe a person's temperament, as in "She's been quite moody lately", or to describe a setting or atmosphere, such as "The film's moody soundtrack enhanced the suspense".

What are some alternatives to using the word "moody"?

Alternatives to "moody" include "temperamental", "irritable", "gloomy", or "sullen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe a place as "moody"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to describe a place as "moody" to suggest that it evokes a particular atmosphere or emotional response. For example, "The landscape was rendered even more captivating by the moody play of light and shadow".

What is the difference between "moody" and "emotional"?

"Emotional" generally means expressing or characterized by emotions. "Moody", on the other hand, suggests frequent and unpredictable changes in emotional state. Someone can be emotional without being moody, and vice versa.