stomach sank

USAGE SUMMARY

"stomach sank" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of sudden dread, disappointment, or worry. Example: As she looked at the exam questions, her stomach sank. She realized that she had not studied enough and might fail the test.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

My stomach sank.

The New York Times

"My stomach sank," Mr. Ratterman recalled.

The New York Times

As I passed the fourth house, my stomach sank.

The New York Times

Typing on my laptop was difficult as my head spun, stomach sank and monitor shifted.

The New York Times

The grumbles got louder and my stomach sank so deep it lay at my feet in a nauseous mess.

Independent

Mr. Marasco said his stomach sank, and as he went to call the Fire Department, his telephone rang with the news.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I exhaled, my stomach sinking.

The Guardian

As the week went on, I noted my mood rising and my stomach sinking.

The Guardian - Travel

Because my stomach sinks whenever I see a police car.

Huffington Post

Yet the question of how much capital they should hold to prevent a recurrence is still strongly contested.Many readers may feel their stomachs sink at the mention of capital ratios and systemic risk.

The Economist

As a San Francisco cyclist, I've had my stomach sink more than once at that discouraging sight.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stomach sank" to vividly describe a sudden feeling of disappointment, worry, or dread when receiving bad news or realizing an unfavorable situation. This phrase is more impactful than simply stating that you felt sad or worried.

Common error

While "stomach sank" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in very informal settings or casual conversations. Opt for simpler language to maintain a natural tone. Too many uses of "stomach sank" can make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stomach sank" functions as an idiomatic expression to vividly describe a sudden feeling of disappointment, dread, or worry. It relies on a metaphorical connection between physical sensation and emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Vice

6%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stomach sank" is a common and correct English phrase used to express a sudden feeling of disappointment, worry, or dread. Ludwig AI states that the expression is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it offers a vivid way to convey negative emotions. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overusing it in very informal settings. Consider alternative phrases like "my heart dropped" or "my spirits plummeted" for variety and to maintain a natural tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my heart dropped

This alternative focuses on the feeling in the heart rather than the stomach, emphasizing emotional distress.

my heart fell

A simple and direct alternative to express disappointment.

a wave of nausea washed over me

This phrase emphasizes the physical sensation of unease and sickness associated with the bad news or realization.

my spirits plummeted

This alternative uses "spirits" to describe a sudden decrease in mood, emphasizing emotional discouragement.

I felt a pang of despair

This phrase highlights a sharp feeling of hopelessness.

dread filled me

This version focuses on the feeling of intense fear or apprehension that arises.

my hopes were dashed

This alternative emphasizes the shattering of positive expectations or plans.

I was crestfallen

This phrase directly describes the state of being deeply disappointed or dejected.

my mood darkened

This phrase focuses on the shift in emotional state, suggesting a transition to sadness or gloom.

I felt a sense of foreboding

This alternative highlights the feeling that something bad is about to happen.

FAQs

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

The phrase "stomach sank" is used to describe a sudden feeling of disappointment or dread. For example, "When I saw the test results, my stomach sank."

What does it mean when someone says their "stomach sank"?

It means they experienced a sudden feeling of worry, disappointment, or fear, often in response to bad news or an unpleasant realization. Similar phrases include "my heart dropped" or "I felt a pang of despair".

Which is the correct term, "stomach sank" or "heart sank"?

Both "stomach sank" and "heart sank" are correct and convey similar meanings. "Stomach sank" emphasizes a gut feeling of unease, while "heart sank" focuses on emotional sadness or disappointment.

What are some alternative ways to say "stomach sank"?

Instead of "stomach sank", you can use phrases such as "my spirits plummeted", "a wave of nausea washed over me", or "I was crestfallen".