stomach dropped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stomach dropped" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden feeling of fear, anxiety, or disappointment. Example: "When I heard the news, my stomach dropped, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sallie's stomach dropped.

The Guardian

"Can we ask questions?" My stomach dropped.

The New Yorker

My stomach dropped to the floor.

The New York Times

As soon as my mother said that, my stomach dropped.

The New Yorker

It's a ship!" Ralphy's stomach dropped, and she clamored to the top of the mountain.

The New Yorker

My stomach dropped and my heart pounded as I desperately tried to make sense of it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

And there it was, my stomach dropping like a stone.

The New York Times

The stomach drops, as if you've been shoved backward from a skyscraper and are flailing through space.

The New Yorker

I think of this quote every time my stomach drops with anxiety, which happens on a daily basis lately.

Huffington Post

My stomach drops just knowing what kind of person she is and what she's going through".

Huffington Post

It's everyone's worst nightmare: You're driving along and all of the sudden your stomach drops like you're on a roller coaster and you see steel and debris and other cars flying everywhere.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your descriptions of fear and anxiety. While "stomach dropped" is effective, using alternatives like "heart sank" or "a wave of dread washed over me" can prevent your writing from becoming repetitive.

Common error

While describing the physical feeling of your "stomach dropping" can be impactful, avoid relying solely on physical sensations to convey emotions. Supplement it with descriptions of thoughts, behaviors, and the broader context to give a complete picture of the experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stomach dropped" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a sudden feeling of anxiety, fear, or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various narrative contexts to convey a visceral reaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stomach dropped" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a sudden feeling of fear, anxiety, or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While "stomach dropped" is appropriate for neutral and informal writing, it may be less common in highly formal or scientific contexts. Related phrases like "heart sank" or "felt a sinking feeling" can offer alternative ways to express similar emotions. When using "stomach dropped", it's essential to supplement the physical sensation with broader context and descriptions of thoughts and behaviors to create a complete emotional picture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My heart sank

Emphasizes emotional reaction rather than physical sensation, suggesting sadness or disappointment.

I felt a sinking feeling

Highlights the feeling of unease and apprehension.

I was filled with dread

Focuses on intense fear and apprehension about something in the future.

My spirits fell

Indicates a decrease in mood or enthusiasm due to disappointment.

I felt a pang of anxiety

Emphasizes a sudden, sharp feeling of worry or nervousness.

My hopes plummeted

Highlights a sudden and significant decrease in optimism.

A wave of fear washed over me

Emphasizes an overwhelming feeling of fear and apprehension.

I experienced a jolt of fear

Focuses on the abrupt and startling nature of the fear.

My courage failed me

Highlights a loss of bravery or confidence in the face of a daunting situation.

I lost heart

Implies a loss of enthusiasm or determination.

FAQs

How can I use "stomach dropped" in a sentence?

Use "stomach dropped" to describe a sudden feeling of fear, anxiety, or disappointment. For example, "When I heard the news, my stomach dropped, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me."

What's the difference between "stomach dropped" and "heart sank"?

"Stomach dropped" emphasizes the physical sensation of anxiety, while "heart sank" focuses more on the emotional aspect of disappointment or sadness. Both describe negative feelings, but the former is more visceral.

What can I say instead of "stomach dropped"?

You can use alternatives like "felt a sinking feeling", "was filled with dread", or "my spirits fell" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stomach dropped" formal or informal?

"Stomach dropped" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and formal writing, although it is more common in narrative or descriptive contexts.