a certain feeling of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain feeling of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an emotion, quality, or sensation that is not easily defined. For example: "She experienced a certain feeling of happiness when she heard the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"There's a certain feeling of emotion that must come across.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd like to say it's a certain feeling of India, which is slightly different".

The New York Times - Arts

And as there are virtually no sidewalks, one gets a certain feeling of chaos.

The New York Times - Magazine

Technology-averse, he described it as "The first camera I can recall handling without a certain feeling of distaste.

Independent

"A certain feeling of invincibility came over me, and I felt like I'd never screw up again," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

While the nation probably has no real affection for N.T. slickers, it gets a certain feeling of security out of being led by one.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

They also try to borrow and play on a certain feeling, which is the feeling of loving an activity for its own sake -- loving it in the way that very young kids love it, in the way that makes your body still feel the motion, as you are drifting off to sleep, of the waves or the wheels or the ball thwonking into your hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the Harvey Nichols ad was a crisp enactment of a brilliant insight, then the Volvo Trucks was the capturing of a certain feeling.

The Guardian

The dirty pan, the cluttered table, and the blurred chair in the foreground are all familiar signifiers of that certain feeling of relaxed torpor that descends on us when we settle in to a holiday.

The Guardian - Arts

But on me Schulz made an impression — I guess because of certain feelings of inferiority, which I still have to this day, and he, Schulz, also had, and this was a connection between us.

The New Yorker

"It reminded me of certain feelings of panic I had when I was in Iran, that everything led to a blind alley.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain feeling of" when you want to describe an emotion or sensation that is not easily defined or categorized precisely. It is often used to convey a sense of ambiguity or generality about the feeling.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a certain feeling of" in formal or academic writing where precision and clarity are paramount. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey the emotion or sensation you intend to express.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain feeling of" functions as a qualifier to describe an emotion, sensation, or impression that is not precisely defined. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain feeling of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an emotion or sensation that is not easily defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to fit within numerous contexts, though it is most prevalent in News & Media and Science sources. While useful for conveying a general sense of an emotion, writers should be mindful of its potential vagueness and consider more precise language in formal writing. Alternatives like "a specific sense of" or "a distinct awareness of" can offer increased clarity when appropriate. Remember, it is better to be precise in formal or academic writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific sense of

Replaces 'feeling' with 'sense', implying a more cognitive or perceptive understanding.

a particular sensation of

Substitutes 'feeling' with 'sensation', focusing on physical or sensory experiences.

a definite impression of

Emphasizes the impact or effect on the mind, rather than the emotion itself.

a distinct awareness of

Highlights a conscious recognition or perception of something.

a vague sense of

Indicates an indistinct or unclear feeling, adding a nuance of uncertainty.

a general sentiment of

Conveys a widespread or common emotion shared by many.

a peculiar experience of

Highlights the unique or unusual nature of the feeling.

an indefinable air of

Shifts the focus to an intangible quality or atmosphere that evokes the feeling.

a suggestive hint of

Implies that the feeling is not directly stated but rather implied or suggested.

a nuanced understanding of

Replaces emotion with intellectual comprehension or subtle perception.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain feeling of" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain feeling of" to describe an emotion or sensation that is difficult to define precisely. For example: "There was "a certain feeling of unease" in the room when the lights flickered."

What are some alternatives to "a certain feeling of"?

Alternatives include "a specific sense of", "a particular sensation of", or "a distinct awareness of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a certain feeling of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a certain feeling of" may be too vague for formal writing. Consider using more precise language to describe the emotion or sensation. For example, instead of "a certain feeling of happiness", try "a palpable sense of joy."

What's the difference between "a certain feeling of" and "a general feeling of"?

"A certain feeling of" implies a specific but undefined emotion or sensation felt by an individual, while "a general feeling of" suggests a widespread or common emotion shared by many.