a funny feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a funny feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of unease, curiosity, or amusement about a situation or experience. Example: "As I walked into the old house, I couldn't shake off the funny feeling that someone was watching me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a funny feeling.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a funny feeling, you know".

The New York Times

"It gives me a funny feeling".

The New Yorker

"It's a funny feeling," Allan Houston said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It gives you a funny feeling".

The New York Times

He said that he had a funny feeling about Havel.

The Guardian

"I had a funny feeling I was going to be that player," Noles said.

The New York Times

"It was a funny feeling to play and start getting paychecks," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The wings give the children "a funny feeling, half heaviness and half lightness" on their shoulders.

The Guardian - Books

But I've got a funny feeling we'll be seeing many, many Baracks and Mitts before this one is over.

The New York Times

"I had a funny feeling I could go low," Zahringer said after securing the victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a funny feeling" to express a vague sense of intuition or unease when you can't pinpoint the exact reason for your feelings. It's suitable for situations where you want to convey a sense of something being 'off' without being overly dramatic.

Common error

While "a funny feeling" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or professional reports. Opt for more precise language to clearly articulate your observations and concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a funny feeling" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used to express an intuitive or emotional state. The examples show it often describes a vague sense of unease or anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a funny feeling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a sense of intuition or unease. As per Ludwig AI, it's deemed correct and applicable in varied contexts, predominantly within news and media. While versatile, it's best to exercise caution in strictly formal settings, opting for more descriptive language when clarity is paramount. Alternative phrases like "a strange feeling" or "an odd sensation" can offer nuanced substitutions. Use "a funny feeling" to express a vague sense of intuition or unease when you can't pinpoint the exact reason for your feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strange feeling

Emphasizes the unusual or unfamiliar nature of the sensation.

an odd sensation

Highlights the peculiarity or strangeness of the feeling.

a peculiar sense

Focuses on the distinct and perhaps inexplicable nature of the feeling.

a nagging suspicion

Implies a persistent and unsettling doubt or worry.

a gut feeling

Suggests an instinctive or intuitive sense, often without logical reasoning.

an uneasy feeling

Conveys a sense of discomfort or anxiety.

a weird vibe

Informal way to describe an unusual atmosphere or feeling.

a premonition

Implies a feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative.

a feeling of foreboding

Stronger than "a funny feeling", implying a sense of impending doom.

a sense of unease

Highlights the lack of comfort or peace associated with the feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "a funny feeling" to describe an intuition or a sense that something is not quite right, as in, "I had "a funny feeling" about the meeting, and it turned out my boss was planning to resign".

What's a more formal alternative to "a funny feeling"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a sense of unease", "a premonition", or "an intuition" instead of ""a funny feeling"".

Is it appropriate to use "a funny feeling" in professional communication?

While understandable, ""a funny feeling"" might be perceived as too informal in professional settings. Use it cautiously, and consider whether a more specific and descriptive phrase would be more suitable.

Can "a funny feeling" indicate a positive emotion?

While it often suggests unease or suspicion, ""a funny feeling"" can occasionally refer to a positive, anticipatory emotion, depending on context. For example, "I had "a funny feeling" that we would win, and we did!".