a dreadful feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dreadful feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense sense of fear, anxiety, or discomfort that someone is experiencing. Example: "As she walked through the dark alley, a dreadful feeling crept over her, making her heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Although 99.9% are explained by rational means, there are too many incidents and places that have a dreadful feeling about them, a sense of evil.

The Guardian - Film

This time round, if she wins, she said she had "a dreadful feeling that any new money should be stowed away for care in case of Alzheimer's".

The Guardian - Books

The agony of not knowing, all of us know that is a dreadful feeling, and that's what we're trying to put to an end as soon as we humanly can".

The New York Times

For the tourists there is now the grim realisation that they have been outplayed once again and that there is no way back in the series, a dreadful feeling yet no disgrace.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a dreadful feeling".

The New York Times - Magazine

Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick: "It's a dreadful feeling.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This experience has brought on a dark, dreadful feeling: inadequacy.

The New York Times

I've been in so many good movies that I felt like nobody saw, it's a pretty dreadful feeling".

The New York Times

It was an altogether dreadful feeling.

Huffington Post

It's dreadful feeling".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The dreadful feeling is that it will all go on for ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dreadful feeling" to convey a strong sense of foreboding or unease that is more intense than simple worry. For example, “I had "a dreadful feeling" as I approached the old house, like something terrible had happened there.”

Common error

While effective, "a dreadful feeling" can lose its impact if overused. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a sense of dread" or "a foreboding feeling" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dreadful feeling" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to name or identify a specific emotional state or sensation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes an intense sense of fear, anxiety, or discomfort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dreadful feeling" effectively conveys a strong sense of unease or foreboding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, denoting an intense sensation of fear, anxiety, or discomfort. While synonymous alternatives like "a sense of dread" or "a foreboding feeling" exist, "a dreadful feeling" is appropriate for various contexts, though it is important to avoid overuse. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, making it a versatile choice for expressing deep-seated apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uneasy feeling

Conveys a general sense of discomfort or anxiety.

a foreboding feeling

Highlights a feeling that something bad is about to occur.

a sense of dread

Emphasizes the feeling of intense fear or apprehension.

a sinking feeling

Implies a feeling of disappointment, despair, or impending failure.

a horrible sensation

Focuses on the physical aspect of the feeling, emphasizing the unpleasant bodily experience.

an awful premonition

Suggests a feeling that something bad is going to happen in the future.

a chilling sensation

Emphasizes the physical sensation of fear or nervousness.

a bad vibe

An informal way to express a negative feeling or intuition about a situation or person.

a dark cloud

A metaphorical way of expressing a feeling of gloom or impending trouble.

a heavy heart

Implies a feeling of sadness, grief, or sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "a dreadful feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "a dreadful feeling" to describe an intense sense of unease or foreboding. For example: "She had "a dreadful feeling" that something was about to go wrong."

What are some alternatives to "a dreadful feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a sense of dread", "a foreboding feeling", or "a horrible sensation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have a dreadful feeling"?

Yes, "I have "a dreadful feeling"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a strong sense of unease or apprehension.

What's the difference between "a dreadful feeling" and "a bad feeling"?

"A dreadful feeling" suggests a more intense and severe sense of unease or foreboding than "a bad feeling", which can simply indicate mild discomfort or displeasure.