murky mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murky mood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or atmosphere that is unclear, gloomy, or uncertain. Example: "As the storm approached, a murky mood settled over the town, leaving everyone feeling uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hence the possibility of another grand coalition.Lucky for someThe muddy political choices reflect the murky mood of the electorate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Best known for the big melodies of Everybody Hurts, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight and Man on the Moon, a murkier, older REM mood prevails on Automatic for the People – try the arresting Try Not to Breathe, about an old man grappling with death, a cousin to Green's similarly affecting You Are the Everything, or the woozy New Orleans Instrumental No 1.

The Guardian - Music

There's something horribly claustrophobic about the mock-Gothic mood and murky palette, and I suspect the fantasy-within-a-fantasy premise will be too morbidly weird to appeal to the average teenage fanboy.

Independent

But the effects of neurogenesis on mood are murkier.

The New York Times

Inside the cavernous theater, the mood was murkier as Barcelona and Chelsea practiced one day ahead of their second-leg semifinal in the Champions League.

The New York Times - Sports

"Look inside my soul/ Please call Deepak and Oprah," Blanco intones on the murky I'm in a Mood, a wry, addled flow warped further by numb Auto-Tune.

The Guardian - Music

His murky electronic scores, rich in mood and texture, have influenced countless contemporary acts like Emeralds, Legowelt and Zombie Zombie, with whom Alan recently performed.

Vice

Somehow the Janacek and Rands set the mood for Mr. Biss's murky, moody account of Beethoven's "Appassionata".

The New York Times - Arts

Raw in language and fraught in mood, "Sore Throats" is also somewhat murky in its meanings.

The New York Times

The danger of Mubarak's murky speech, of course, is that the jubilant mood on the square which preceded it will turn sour and angry (it already has), and that Mubarak will order — excuse me, advise; he is just advising now — his armed minions back into the fray.

The New Yorker

The declarative ring of that statement — along with its murky generality and its gnawing desperation — sums up the mood of the album, the most musically ambitious yet released by Mr. Sheff and his crew.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "murky mood" to describe situations where the emotional atmosphere is not only negative but also unclear or difficult to understand, adding a layer of complexity to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "murky mood" when a simpler term like "sad" or "gloomy" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of ambiguity or hidden emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky mood" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "murky" modifies the noun "mood", indicating a quality of obscurity or unclearness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "murky mood" describes a negative emotional state characterized by a lack of clarity or definition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While less common than simpler alternatives, "murky mood" adds depth and complexity to descriptions, implying a sense of hidden emotions or unclear circumstances. It is most frequently used in News & Media. The best usage tip to consider is to be sure it is needed and is not simply replacing "sad" or "gloomy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gloomy atmosphere

Focuses on the environment or setting rather than internal feeling, implying a depressing or somber ambience.

Cloudy disposition

Emphasizes the person's emotional state is obscured or unclear, like a cloudy day.

Somber sentiment

Highlights the seriousness and gravity of the prevailing feeling.

Ominous feeling

Suggests a sense of impending doom or unease.

Ambiguous atmosphere

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and definition in the surrounding environment.

Unclear emotional state

Focuses specifically on the difficulty in discerning someone's feelings.

Obscure feeling

Highlights the hidden or difficult-to-understand nature of the emotion.

Depressed state of mind

Implies a more severe and prolonged period of sadness.

Dismal outlook

Focuses on a pessimistic view of the future.

Heavy atmosphere

Suggests a sense of emotional burden and oppressiveness in the environment.

FAQs

How can I use "murky mood" in a sentence?

You can use "murky mood" to describe an atmosphere or emotional state that is unclear, gloomy, or uncertain. For example: "As the investigation deepened, a "murky mood" settled over the detective, filled with unspoken suspicions."

What are some alternatives to "murky mood"?

Alternatives include "gloomy atmosphere", "cloudy disposition", or "somber sentiment" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "murky mood" a formal or informal expression?

"Murky mood" leans towards a neutral register, suitable for both news reporting and creative writing. It's less formal than academic language, but more descriptive than everyday conversation.

What distinguishes "murky mood" from "sad mood"?

"Murky mood" implies not only sadness, but also a lack of clarity and perhaps a sense of hidden or obscured feelings, setting it apart from a simple "sad mood".