this is so depressing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is so depressing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing feelings of sadness or disappointment about a situation or topic. Example: "After reading the news about the environmental crisis, I couldn't help but think, this is so depressing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"This is so depressing," Mr. Couturier said after being told about the report.

The New York Times

She is the kind of person who, at the top of the Empire State Building on a clear night, surrounded by people gasping with wonder at the spectacle of the city lights, will groan, "This is so depressing.

The New Yorker

So I looked up the words online, and I was playing along, thinking: 'Man, this is so depressing.' It took me right back to a shitty part of my life, and I wasn't ready to reflect on that.

The Guardian - Music

"This is so depressing!" he said.

Vice

"I wrote to my editor, 'This is so depressing.

Vice

(This is so depressing that I need to counterbalance by writing about the play ethic).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To many French voters, the choice this year is so depressing that it feels like whoever wins, France loses.

The New Yorker

Sometimes this work is so depressing.

The New York Times

The good news is that this college second-guessing is so depressing, it's actually making me look forward to doing my taxes.

Huffington Post

What is so depressing about this is that the lobbies for a continuation of our current energy system – effectively lobbying against a sustainable and secure energy system – appear to be pushing at an open door in Whitehall.

The Guardian

What is so depressing about this show is not that it tells lies about the rich, but that it provides an image of the world devoid of any class resistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "this is so depressing" with a reason or explanation. For example, "This is so depressing, I feel like I cannot do this".

Common error

Avoid using "this is so depressing" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more nuanced and objective language to describe negative situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is so depressing" functions primarily as an exclamatory statement expressing a subjective feeling of sadness, discouragement, or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness. Examples from Ludwig show it used in response to news, personal experiences, or observations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is so depressing" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey feelings of sadness or discouragement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability, particularly within News & Media contexts. While appropriate for expressing personal feelings, writers should exercise caution in formal settings, opting for more objective language. Alternatives such as "this is really discouraging" or "this is deeply saddening" can offer a more nuanced approach depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is really discouraging

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly milder tone.

this is extremely disheartening

Emphasizes the discouraging nature of the situation more strongly.

this is incredibly upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by the situation.

this is deeply saddening

Highlights the profound sadness evoked by the situation.

this is truly bleak

Emphasizes the lack of hope or positive outlook.

this is terribly demoralizing

Stresses the loss of morale and confidence.

this is awfully grim

Focuses on the unpleasant and serious nature of the situation.

this is just awful

A simpler and more direct expression of negativity.

it's all doom and gloom

Expresses a pessimistic outlook with an emphasis on negative outcomes.

i'm feeling really down

Shift the focus to the personal feeling that it causes to the speaker.

FAQs

What does "this is so depressing" mean?

The phrase "this is so depressing" expresses a feeling of sadness, discouragement, or disappointment about a particular situation, event, or piece of information.

How can I use "this is so depressing" in a sentence?

You can use "this is so depressing" to express your feelings about something negative. For example: "After reading the report, I thought, "this is so depressing"."

What can I say instead of "this is so depressing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this is really discouraging", "this is deeply saddening", or "this is truly bleak", depending on the context.

Is "this is so depressing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this is so depressing" might be too informal for certain formal writing contexts. Consider using more objective and nuanced language to convey negative feelings.