stomach sink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'stomach sink' is not a common phrase, and it is not considered a correct and usable part of written English.
If you want to use the phrase 'stomach sink', it would be best to explain it in context. For example, you might say "I felt my stomach sink as I read the news article".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

TechCrunch

I let my stomach sink, my chin drop, my eyebrows furrow and my spirit shrink.

HuffPost

Those numbers make my stomach sink, as I think about the deaths of the men and women in uniform.

HuffPost

There are various means we employ to avoid feeling the pain that makes our heart ache and stomach sink.

Huffington Post

If you're someone who reacts with the latter, I need you to be my life coach just typing that hypothetical sentence made my stomach sink.

Vice

We did a round-robin of introductions the first day, and I felt my stomach sink as each person in the room identified themselves as Muslim, Christian, or Jewish.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

My stomach sank.

The New York Times

I exhaled, my stomach sinking.

The Guardian

"My stomach sank," Mr. Ratterman recalled.

The New York Times

As I passed the fourth house, my stomach sank.

The New York Times

My stomach sinking, I head to reception to pay my bill.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a feeling of dread or disappointment, consider using the more common phrase "stomach sank" or "heart sank" instead of "stomach sink" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "stomach sink" as a present tense verb when describing a past event. It's more grammatically correct to use "stomach sank" as the past tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stomach sink" functions as a verbal phrase describing a physical sensation linked to an emotional response. Though not grammatically standard, it attempts to convey a sudden feeling of dread or disappointment, similar to when one's "heart sinks".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "stomach sink" appears in some online contexts, it is not considered grammatically standard. Ludwig AI identifies it as a less common and potentially incorrect usage, advising users to consider alternatives like "stomach sank" or "heart sank" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy. The phrase is primarily used in news and media contexts to express feelings of disappointment or dread. For more formal writing, it's best to opt for more established phrases that convey the same meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel one's stomach drop

This alternative uses a more common verb, "drop", to describe the sensation of sudden dread or disappointment.

one's heart sank

This alternative shifts the focus from the stomach to the heart, emphasizing the emotional impact of a disappointing event.

experience a sinking feeling

This is a more general phrase describing a feeling of unease or foreboding, without specifying a body part.

feel a pang of dread

This alternative uses "dread" to highlight the feeling of intense fear or anxiety.

have a queasy sensation

This alternative focuses on the physical discomfort associated with anxiety or nervousness.

lose one's nerve

This alternative focuses on losing courage or confidence in a situation.

feel disheartened

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of sadness or disappointment.

be filled with apprehension

This alternative highlights the feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

feel a sense of foreboding

This alternative focuses on a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

develop a nervous feeling

This alternative describes the onset of a feeling of anxiety or nervousness.

FAQs

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

It usually means they are experiencing a sudden feeling of disappointment, dread, or anxiety. It's a visceral reaction to bad news or an unfavorable situation.

Is it correct to say "stomach sink" or should it be "stomach sank"?

While some sources use "stomach sink", the past tense form "stomach sank" is more grammatically correct and widely accepted. You could also say "my "heart sank"" as an alternative.

What are some alternatives to saying "my stomach sink"?

You can use alternatives like "my "heart sank"", "I felt a "sinking feeling"", or "I felt my "stomach drop" depending on the context.

How can I use the phrase "stomach sink" in a sentence?

While not the most common phrasing, you could say something like, "I felt my stomach sink as I read the email" but it's often better to use the past tense form: "My "stomach sank" when I realized my mistake."