passing mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing mood" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a temporary or brief feeling or state of mind that can change quickly. Example: "She couldn't shake off her passing mood of sadness, even though she tried to distract herself with other activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Depression is a word with many meanings — anything from a passing mood of sadness or discouragement to a condition of inconsolable misery, suicidal thoughts, and even delusions as well as severe physical symptoms.

Harvard University

Yet if revisited now, it looks the expression of a passing mood – partly irritation at humdrum critics who simplistically use authors' intentions or biographies to "solve" texts – albeit disguised by Barthes's characteristic certainty and rhetorical flair.

The Guardian - Books

That passing mood has not affected his ability.

The New York Times - Sports

Is the year-end malaise just a passing mood or does it stem from something deep and permanent?

The New York Times

For someone so used to being in control, it's a thrilling, disorienting and frightening experience, heightened further when Madeleine realizes that Leonard's depression is not a passing mood but a serious and chronic condition that could well sabotage their relationship.

The New York Times - Books

During the extensive renovation, the town houses had been no more than shells of themselves, like Hollywood sets, or the gutted remains of a firebombing, depending on your passing mood.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There is a richness to the novel's smaller units, its phrases and passing moods.

The New Yorker

They are not the product of passing moods, seized on and exploited for no good reason, but connect with thoughts that recur repeatedly in sensitive and intelligent reflection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And though it is a great river of many sources and many passing moods, its strongest single current throughout is a searching realism.

The Guardian - Arts

France, he said, wants to build a relationship with Algeria that is "décomplexée" -- removed of its complexes -- adding that the important thing is "to develop calm relations unaffected by passing moods".

The New York Times

But, by adopting that procedure a campaign employs a subtle form of flattery, since it may well be pleasing to the voters to know that their opinions and passing moods are being almost slavishly catered to by some of the most powerful people in the country.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing mood" to describe a temporary emotional state that doesn't significantly impact long-term behavior or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "passing mood" to describe persistent or severe emotional distress, as it trivializes serious mental health conditions like depression. If symptoms last for more than two weeks, consider seeking professional help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing mood" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "passing" modifies the noun "mood". It describes a temporary or transient state of mind. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing mood" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a temporary emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately depicts a transient feeling that does not have lasting effects. Predominantly found in news and media and academic contexts, it is essential to distinguish it from more severe, persistent emotional conditions. While "passing mood" is a useful descriptor for everyday fluctuations in feelings, it should not be used to diminish or trivialize genuine mental health concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting feeling

Focuses on the transient nature of the emotion.

temporary emotion

Highlights the non-permanent aspect of the feeling.

brief sentiment

Emphasizes the short duration and nature of the sentiment.

transient emotion

Stresses the changing or moving quality of the emotion.

momentary feeling

Underscores the feeling's existence for only a moment.

short-lived emotion

Highlights the quick disappearance of the emotion.

ephemeral feeling

Suggests the feeling is very brief and doesn't last long.

quick emotion

Implies the emotion arises and fades rapidly.

short burst of feeling

Emphasizes the sudden and brief nature of the emotional experience.

moment of sadness

Specific to sadness; indicates a temporary sad emotion.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing mood" to describe a temporary emotional state. For example, "Her sadness was just a "passing mood", and she soon cheered up."

What is a good alternative to "passing mood"?

Alternatives include "fleeting feeling", "temporary emotion", or "brief sentiment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a serious mental health condition as a "passing mood"?

No, describing a serious mental health condition like depression as a "passing mood" is inaccurate and can be insensitive. Mental health conditions require professional diagnosis and treatment.

What's the difference between "passing mood" and "clinical depression"?

"Passing mood" refers to a short-lived emotional state, while clinical depression is a persistent mental health disorder characterized by prolonged sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms. Clinical depression requires professional medical attention.