pall of gloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pall of gloom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy, oppressive atmosphere of sadness or despair. Example: "After hearing the bad news, a pall of gloom settled over the entire room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The house is wrapped in a pall of gloom.

The New York Times

However, journalists say the episode has cast a pall of gloom over Sky's newsroom.

The Guardian

A pall of gloom settles over MacFarlane, but I know how to lift it.

The Guardian - Film

But still a pall of gloom hangs over America and over its business community in particular.

The Guardian - Business

A year ago the restaurant closed for good, and a pall of gloom fell on the neighbourhood.

Independent

For months such fears have cast a pall of gloom over South America, and over emerging markets in general.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

On Monday in an English village strikingly removed from the multimillionaire's retreat of Snell Isle in St Petersburg, Florida, where Wheldon lived with his young family, there was a palpable pall of both gloom and shock among locals who had followed his career closely.

The Guardian - Sport

He hopes the World Cup finals will help lift the pall of economic gloom and let the world see that his country's long-becalmed economy has got going again.

Forbes

We're not suggesting that all occasions for killer surfing should have the pall of eco gloom and doom hanging over them, but it seems like an ethical no-brainer while exploiting the destruction of Alaska's glaciers, to at least make an attempt to raise money and awareness for the need to take similar, fearless breakneck action to combat climate change.

Huffington Post

Adept at stealing elections from the hands of voters, Mugabe is now amassing government troops; blocking court proceedings where we have attempted to seek an order simply for the electoral commission to release the final tally of the March 29 poll; raiding the offices of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC); and casting a pall of suppression and gloom over the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The godfather of gloom".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pall of gloom" to describe situations where a heavy, oppressive atmosphere negatively impacts the mood or outlook of a group or place. It effectively conveys a sense of pervasive sadness or despair.

Common error

Avoid using "pall of gloom" for minor or fleeting moments of sadness. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the negativity is significant and lingering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pall of gloom" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object describing a pervasive negative atmosphere. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English to describe a heavy, oppressive atmosphere of sadness or despair.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pall of gloom" effectively describes a heavy, oppressive atmosphere of sadness or despair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While various alternatives exist, such as "atmosphere of despondency" or "cloud of melancholy", "pall of gloom" is fitting when depicting a pervasive and significant negativity. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where the sadness or despair is considerable and enduring, avoiding its application to minor or fleeting moments of unhappiness. Ludwig's analysis highlights the phrase's function as a descriptive element, its purpose to evoke a specific mood, and its register as neutral, rendering it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloud of melancholy

Uses 'cloud' as a metaphor for something overshadowing, and 'melancholy' to describe the sadness.

blanket of sorrow

Uses 'blanket' to convey a pervasive and encompassing feeling of sadness.

shadow of sadness

Focuses on sadness as the primary emotion creating the gloom.

atmosphere of despondency

Replaces 'pall' with 'atmosphere' and 'gloom' with 'despondency', focusing on the overall feeling.

undercurrent of grief

Suggests a subtle but persistent sense of sorrow or mourning.

wave of despair

Emphasizes a strong, overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

feeling of desolation

Conveys a sense of emptiness and loneliness.

sense of foreboding

Shifts the focus to an impending sense of doom rather than present sadness.

mood of pessimism

Shifts the focus to a generally negative outlook or expectation.

air of oppression

Highlights a sense of being weighed down or controlled by negative circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "pall of gloom" in a sentence?

You can use "pall of gloom" to describe a situation where there's a heavy, oppressive atmosphere of sadness or despair. For example: "After the announcement, a "pall of gloom" settled over the office."

What phrases are similar to "pall of gloom"?

Similar phrases include "atmosphere of despondency", "cloud of melancholy", or "shadow of sadness", all suggesting a pervasive feeling of sadness or negativity.

Is it appropriate to use "pall of gloom" in formal writing?

Yes, "pall of gloom" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports or analytical pieces, to describe a somber or negative atmosphere. It is less appropriate for informal or lighthearted contexts.

What's the difference between "pall of gloom" and "veil of sadness"?

"Pall of gloom" typically implies a more pervasive and oppressive atmosphere, while "veil of sadness" suggests a more subdued or concealed feeling of sorrow. The former is heavier and more impactful.