sense impending doom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense impending doom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of anxiety or foreboding about a negative event that is likely to happen. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered, I couldn't shake the sense impending doom that something terrible was about to occur."

✓ Grammatically correct

Archives of Women's Mental Health

The Guardian

The New York Times

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For example, they propose a sense of threat as a "sense of impending doom" (Elhers and Clark 2000, pg. 344), which leads to anticipatory anxiety and a sense of worse to come.

Archives of Women's Mental Health

The constant sense of impending doom also does wonders for a sense of humour.

The Guardian

A dispiriting sense of impending doom has infected the marchers.

The New York Times

But there is an unsettling sense of impending doom.

Independent

"It represents that sense of impending doom," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

The weirdest part of it was this overwhelming sense of impending doom".

The New Yorker

I awoke at five the next morning with a sense of impending doom.

Independent

"Songs to combat the prevailing sense of impending doom?" asks misterbadexample.

The Guardian - Music

"Do you ever wake up with a sense of impending doom?" asks Rura's Adam Holmes.

The Guardian - Music

I remember the heavy sense of impending doom as my parents said goodbye.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fletcher combats this seemingly purposeless abundance with a sense of impending doom.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "sense impending doom" to create a feeling of suspense or tension in your writing. This phrase is particularly effective when describing a character's internal state or setting a dramatic scene.

Common error

Avoid using "sense impending doom" in casual or informal conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or theatrical. Reserve it for situations where a heightened emotional effect is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense impending doom" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object, typically describing a feeling or awareness. Ludwig AI indicates it correctly conveys a feeling of anticipation of negative events.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense impending doom" describes a feeling of anxiety or foreboding, suggesting a negative event is likely to occur. It is grammatically correct and understandable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, but should be used thoughtfully, as it carries a dramatic tone that might not be suitable for all situations. While not extremely common, it appears in various sources, including news articles and literary works. When aiming for clarity or informality, alternatives such as "feeling of approaching disaster" or "premonition of coming catastrophe" might be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of approaching disaster

Focuses on the feeling rather than the cognitive "sense" and suggests more immediate danger.

premonition of coming catastrophe

Emphasizes the intuitive aspect and the catastrophic nature of the anticipated event.

foreboding of future misfortune

Highlights the feeling of something bad about to occur in the future, with a slightly more formal tone.

presentiment of looming crisis

Suggests a less defined but serious negative situation about to happen.

intuition of brewing trouble

Implies a subtle, intuitive awareness that something unpleasant is developing.

awareness of gathering storm

Uses a metaphorical image to represent the impending negativity, indicating a gradual build-up.

apprehension about unfolding events

Focuses on anxiety related to events that are currently happening, with a likely negative outcome.

dread of what's to come

Conveys a stronger feeling of fear and aversion concerning future events.

unease about the approaching situation

Suggests a mild discomfort or anxiety regarding an upcoming event or circumstance.

anticipation of negative consequences

Directly states the expectation of bad results or outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "sense impending doom" in a sentence?

You can use "sense impending doom" to describe a feeling that something bad is about to happen. For example: "As the deadline approached, a "sense of impending doom" washed over the team".

What phrases are similar to "sense impending doom"?

Alternatives include "feeling of approaching disaster", "premonition of coming catastrophe", or "foreboding of future misfortune", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is "sense impending doom" a formal or informal expression?

"Sense impending doom" leans towards a more formal or literary expression, best suited for writing or situations where a dramatic effect is intended. In everyday conversation, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What causes a "sense impending doom" in real life?

While the phrase is often used figuratively, a "sense of impending doom" can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as panic attacks or anaphylaxis. It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience this sensation frequently.