a foreboding feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foreboding feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of impending doom or anxiety about something negative that may happen. Example: "As she walked through the dark forest, she couldn't shake off the foreboding feeling that something was watching her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I have a foreboding feeling markets are going to be a lot higher in six months".

The New Yorker

Inspired by a foreboding feeling while riding through the Scottish Highlands in 2013, McInnes created the Strangeworld Motorcycle, a wind-powered motorcycle that wouldn't just look badass flying into an impending nuclear holocaust, but might even get you through what follows. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I saw a white van selling ice cream while playing music that aroused a strange, foreboding feeling in me.

The New Yorker

"Peace is when you've got a protected forest and you don't have this foreboding feeling that someone is about to arrive with bulldozers and trash it.

The Guardian

Pay attention to the foreboding feeling in your belly, but don't let it make your decisions for you, OK?

Huffington Post

ThIf article originallyouppeared on VICE US.

Vice

And despite the foreboding feelings hanging over New York at the time, the vast majority of those people had at most minor brushes with crime".

The Guardian - Tech

A foreboding for all Funny Cide fans.

The New York Times - Sports

It's got a foreboding about it.

The Guardian - Film

She sings apocalyptic lyrics over a foreboding minor key motif.

The New York Times

When the rain stopped, Ms. Codner sensed a foreboding stillness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a foreboding feeling" to create suspense or foreshadow negative events in narratives. It's effective for setting a tone of unease or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "a foreboding feeling" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your descriptions of unease with alternative phrases such as "a sense of dread" or "an ominous premonition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foreboding feeling" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a state of mind or emotional experience. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a foreboding feeling" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to express a sense of impending doom or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While it is often found in news and media, it is also appropriate for formal and informal writing. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "a sense of dread" or "an ominous premonition". Using the phrase effectively enhances suspense and foreshadowing in narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of dread

Emphasizes the intensity of fear and apprehension.

an ominous premonition

Suggests a strong intuitive feeling that something bad will happen.

a sinking sensation

Focuses on the physical feeling of unease and worry.

a looming sense of doom

Implies an impending and unavoidable negative event.

a feeling of impending disaster

Specifically refers to an upcoming catastrophic event.

a premonitory apprehension

Highlights the anticipatory anxiety about a future event.

a gut feeling of unease

Emphasizes the intuitive and instinctive nature of the discomfort.

a troubling presentiment

Indicates a feeling that something unfortunate is about to occur.

a creeping feeling of anxiety

Focuses on the gradual onset and increasing intensity of the anxiety.

an anxious anticipation

Stresses the worried expectation of a future event.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a foreboding feeling" in a sentence?

Use "a foreboding feeling" to describe a character's or your own sense of impending doom or unease. It's best used when something bad is anticipated but not yet confirmed.

What are some alternatives to "a foreboding feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a sense of dread", "an ominous premonition", or "a sinking sensation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a foreboding feeling" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and understandable way to express a sense of impending doom or unease.

What's the difference between "a foreboding feeling" and "a feeling of anxiety"?

"A foreboding feeling" specifically implies an anticipation of something negative, while "a feeling of anxiety" is a more general term for worry or unease without necessarily anticipating a specific bad event.