total gloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total gloom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete darkness or a feeling of deep sadness and despair. Example: "After hearing the bad news, there was a sense of total gloom that settled over the entire room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, no need for total doom and gloom just yet.

The Guardian - Sport

Hiddink does expect Diego Costa to feature, however, having been ruled out here with a minor tendon injury, and it is certainly not a case of total doom and gloom for Chelsea.

The Guardian - Sport

The scenario might not be one of total doom and gloom for the few e-tailers that bring the mix of traditional business acumen and innovation to the web space.

Forbes

After that you will have only a few short hours to mail in your taxes, or this total lunar eclipse could signal doom and gloom for you.

Huffington Post

The arrival of the internet and mobile phones has relieved the gloom of what had been almost total isolation.

The Economist

Other recruitment areas in the UK, which accounts for 20% of total group revenues, did slightly better to help offset the gloom.

The Guardian - Business

Staircases rise into gloom and fall into torchlight; schemes are hatched in near-total darkness, lighted only by stars glimpsed through a barred window.

The New York Times

But here's a bright spot in the gloom: Samsung Electronics (1997 revenues $24 billion), whose sales account for 30% of Samsung Group's total revenues.

Forbes

Exports of machinery and transport equipment (almost half of the total) are still rising at an annual rate of more than 20% in volume terms.The doom and gloom in Guangdong may be overdone.

The Economist

Harris lifted the gloom a little when he drove Vaas through the covers on successive balls to take the total past 20, but that was before Nissanka took Harris's wicket for nine in the following over.

The Guardian - Sport

Stokes was the sole silver lining to emerge from the English gloom of this third Test as he hit a technically excellent and impressively gutsy 120 in a total of 353.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "total gloom" to vividly describe situations characterized by overwhelming negativity, despair, or literal darkness. It's effective in conveying a sense of finality or inescapability.

Common error

Avoid using "total gloom" in situations where a more subtle or nuanced description of sadness or darkness is appropriate. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total gloom" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to describe an atmosphere or feeling of complete darkness or despair.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "total gloom" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively communicates a sense of complete darkness, despair, or negativity. Ludwig's analysis, based on diverse sources, indicates that while relatively rare, the phrase is found primarily in news and media contexts. While "total gloom" is appropriate for vividly describing dire situations, writers should be mindful of potential overusage, which can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "utter despair" or "complete darkness" may provide a more nuanced depiction in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter despair

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of complete hopelessness rather than a general atmosphere.

complete darkness

Emphasizes the absence of light, whether literal or figurative.

deep despondency

Highlights a state of profound sadness and loss of hope.

absolute bleakness

Stresses the lack of anything positive or promising.

unrelieved darkness

Underscores the continuous and persistent nature of the darkness or despair.

profound pessimism

Emphasizes a deeply ingrained negative outlook.

thorough despair

Implies a comprehensive and encompassing feeling of hopelessness.

sheer hopelessness

Focuses on the feeling of having absolutely no hope.

darkest despair

Highlights the most intense level of despair.

utter negativity

Focuses on the presence of complete negativity in a situation or environment.

FAQs

How can I use "total gloom" in a sentence?

You can use "total gloom" to describe a state of complete darkness, despair, or overwhelming negativity. For example: "After the announcement, a sense of "total gloom" settled over the team."

What are some alternatives to "total gloom"?

Alternatives include "utter despair", "complete darkness", or "deep despondency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "total gloom" in formal writing?

While "total gloom" is grammatically correct, it may sound somewhat dramatic for formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "significant downturn" or "widespread concern" if the context requires a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "total gloom" and "general sadness"?

"Total gloom" implies a pervasive and overwhelming sense of darkness or despair, whereas "general sadness" suggests a milder, less intense emotional state. "Total gloom" is a stronger, more impactful expression.