I sensed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I sensed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a feeling or intuition about something, often related to emotions or perceptions. Example: "As I walked through the empty hall, I sensed a presence behind me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I sensed he understood.

The New York Times

"I sensed you'd understand".

The New Yorker

Still, I sensed her despondency.

The New York Times

I sensed romance, sex.

The New Yorker

I sensed something missing".

The New York Times - Sports

Then I sensed someone following me.

The New Yorker

I sensed that she wanted to talk.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I sensed another force at work.

The New Yorker

I sensed there was maybe something there".

The New York Times

I sensed a very powerful woman".

The New York Times

I sensed a kindred spirit.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I sensed" to convey a feeling or intuition about something, particularly when there's a lack of concrete evidence. It's useful for describing subtle emotional or atmospheric perceptions.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "I sensed" when more specific verbs could provide a clearer picture. For example, instead of "I sensed his discomfort", consider "I saw his discomfort" or "I felt his anxiety" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I sensed" functions as a subject-verb construction, where 'I' is the subject and 'sensed' is the verb. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. It serves to express a personal perception or intuition about a situation or feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I sensed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for conveying a personal feeling or intuition. According to Ludwig, it is often used in narrative and descriptive writing, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's important to consider more objective verbs like "I observed" or "I noted" in highly formal or scientific contexts. Alternatives include "I felt", "I perceived", and "I had a feeling", each carrying slightly different nuances. It's advisable to avoid overusing "I sensed" and to choose more specific verbs when possible for a stronger and clearer impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I felt

A broader term that can refer to both physical sensations and emotional understandings.

I perceived

Focuses on a more intellectual or observational understanding, rather than a purely emotional feeling.

I had a feeling

Emphasizes intuition and a sense of premonition or hunch.

I intuited

Highlights the role of intuition and instinct in understanding something.

I suspected

Suggests a degree of doubt or wariness, implying that something might be amiss.

I discerned

Suggests a more careful and insightful perception, often involving subtle details.

I gathered

Implies collecting information or impressions to form an understanding.

I detected

Implies identifying something that may not be immediately obvious, like a hidden emotion.

I noticed

Focuses on direct observation and awareness of something.

I understood

Indicates a clear comprehension based on sensory input or subtle signals.

FAQs

How can I use "I sensed" in a sentence?

Use "I sensed" to describe a feeling or intuition about something, often based on subtle cues or impressions. For example, "I sensed her hesitation when I asked about her weekend" or "I sensed a change in the atmosphere as soon as I walked into the room".

What are some alternatives to "I sensed"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt", "I perceived", or "I had a feeling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "I sensed" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or scientific writing, more objective verbs like "I observed" or "I noted" might be more suitable than "I sensed", which implies a degree of subjectivity.

What's the difference between "I sensed" and "I knew"?

"I sensed" implies an intuitive understanding based on subtle cues, while "I knew" suggests a more definite awareness based on concrete information or evidence. For instance, "I sensed his disappointment" suggests you picked up on subtle cues, while "I knew he was disappointed" implies he explicitly told you or you had clear evidence.