pretty tired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty tired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a moderate level of fatigue or exhaustion, often in informal contexts. Example: "After a long day at work, I'm feeling pretty tired and ready to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The guys are tired but I'd like to think everyone is pretty tired at this point in the race".

BBC

"I'm pretty tired".

The New York Times

She was pretty tired.

The New Yorker

'I am pretty tired.

The Guardian

People are pretty tired, too.

The New York Times

"I was pretty tired, though".

The New York Times - Sports

He must be pretty tired.

The Guardian - Business

"And we're all pretty tired.

The New York Times

"And he was pretty tired.

The Guardian

'They're all getting pretty tired.

The Guardian - Business

I expect I'll be pretty tired.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "pretty tired" is generally acceptable, opt for more precise language like "exhausted" or "drained" in formal or professional settings if the situation warrants it.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty tired" in highly formal or professional documents, such as academic papers or business reports. It can come across as too casual. Instead, choose more formal synonyms like "somewhat fatigued" or "moderately exhausted."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty tired" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe a state of being. It serves to qualify the extent of tiredness, indicating a level that is more than slightly tired but not completely exhausted. As shown by Ludwig, it's a common descriptor of one's physical or mental condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty tired" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to express a moderate level of fatigue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in everyday conversation and informal writing. While generally acceptable, it's best to avoid using "pretty tired" in highly formal contexts. Instead, opt for alternatives like "somewhat fatigued" or "moderately exhausted". The abundance of examples provided by Ludwig demonstrates the phrase's widespread usage and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ready to drop

Suggests an extreme level of fatigue where one feels like collapsing.

utterly tired out

Emphasizes the complete and total nature of tiredness.

completely beat

Implies a state of utter exhaustion.

totally spent

Indicates that one's energy reserves have been fully used.

quite exhausted

Indicates a higher degree of tiredness compared to the original phrase.

fairly weary

Emphasizes the mental or emotional aspect of being tired.

awfully sleepy

Highlights the desire to sleep due to tiredness.

rather fatigued

A more formal way of expressing tiredness.

somewhat drained

Focuses on the feeling of having one's energy depleted.

slightly pooped

A more informal and lighthearted expression of tiredness.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "pretty tired"?

You can use alternatives like "quite tired", "fairly exhausted", or "somewhat weary" depending on the context.

Is "pretty tired" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pretty tired" is grammatically correct. The word "pretty" is used as an adverb to modify the adjective "tired", indicating a moderate degree of tiredness.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "pretty tired"?

The phrase "pretty tired" is suitable for informal conversations, casual writing, and situations where you want to express a moderate level of fatigue without sounding overly formal. It's commonly used in everyday language.

What is the difference between "pretty tired" and "very tired"?

"Pretty tired" suggests a moderate level of tiredness, while "very tired" implies a higher degree of exhaustion. The choice between the two depends on the intensity of the fatigue you want to convey.