a certain unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of discomfort or anxiety that is not easily defined or quantified. Example: "As the meeting progressed, there was a certain unease in the room that made everyone hesitant to speak up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

So much kit, however, betrays a certain unease.

The New Yorker

Yet there was a certain unease about the coming campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a certain unease with the idea of someone from the outside".

The New York Times - Arts

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a certain unease could be detected about the American drift toward a culture of selling, marketing and consumerism.

The New York Times - Magazine

The home support's sense of expectation would be tainted by a certain unease even before the start, the result of the absence of a number of influential players.

The Guardian - Sport

And then there are the oddities of business relationships.I still, I admit, feel a certain unease when the (female) estate agent or insurance broker, for example, expects a kiss on the cheek after only one previous encounter.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Murdoch's latest tweet, posted late on New Year's Eve and betraying a certain technological unease with punctuation, reads: "Huge NY eve do.

The Guardian

But a certain amount of unease remains.

The New York Times

And so the announcement of Battlefield's setting was met with a certain amount of unease.

The Guardian - Tech

While this ability to capture multiple choices is generally seen as an advantage, there is a certain amount of unease about survey length.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice

I can understand a certain amount of unease in the Obama-supporting public in general, but within the left-leaning press it's inexcusable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain unease" to describe feelings that are difficult to pinpoint or articulate precisely. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of discomfort without being overly specific about its source.

Common error

While "a certain unease" is versatile, avoid overusing it in strictly formal or academic writing. Sometimes, a more precise term (e.g., "apprehension", "anxiety") will add clarity and strength to your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain unease" functions as a noun phrase, where "unease" is the noun and "a certain" acts as a determiner specifying a particular, though undefined, quality of that noun. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain unease" is a versatile phrase used to express a vague feeling of discomfort or anxiety. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While suitable for general communication, more precise terms might be preferable in highly formal contexts. Related phrases include "a sense of disquiet" and "a vague anxiety", offering subtle differences in nuance. When employing this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it effectively conveys the intended sentiment. It's a valuable tool for expressing feelings that are difficult to define precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an underlying anxiety

Stresses that the worry is present, although it may not be immediately obvious.

a sense of disquiet

Emphasizes a disturbance in one's peace of mind, suggesting a subtle but pervasive anxiety.

a vague anxiety

Indicates a non-specific, undefined worry or concern.

a feeling of discomfort

Replaces "unease" with a more general term, focusing on the physical or mental discomfort experienced.

a hint of anxiety

Indicates a slight or subtle feeling of worry or nervousness.

a degree of concern

Highlights the level or extent of worry or interest.

a subtle apprehension

Highlights a feeling of fear or dread about something that might happen in the future.

a touch of nervousness

Emphasizes the feeling of being agitated or anxious.

a slight worry

Focuses on a small, often insignificant concern.

a mild discomposure

Suggests a slight loss of composure or calmness.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "a certain unease" in a sentence?

Use "a certain unease" to describe a vague or undefined feeling of discomfort or anxiety. For example, "There was "a certain unease" in the room as the negotiations stalled."

What are some alternative phrases to "a certain unease"?

You can use alternatives such as "a sense of disquiet", "a vague anxiety", or "a feeling of discomfort depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a certain unease" formal or informal?

"A certain unease" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, a more precise term might be preferred.

How does "a certain unease" differ from "an underlying anxiety"?

"A certain unease" describes a general feeling of discomfort, while "an underlying anxiety" suggests a more persistent and deep-seated worry that may not be immediately obvious.