a general feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an overall sentiment or impression about a particular topic or situation. Example: "After the meeting, there was a general feeling of optimism among the team regarding the project's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"One feels echoes perhaps about a general feeling about an administration," says Connelly warily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The session ended with a general feeling of comfort.

University of California, Berkeley

It expresses a general feeling of concern and anger".

The Economist

A general feeling of insecurity clung to him for months.

The Guardian - Opinion

A general feeling of summer celebration permeated the collection.

The New York Times

It's not sadness – but a general feeling of overwhelm.

The Guardian - Music

There is a general feeling of happiness and optimism in the country.

Harvard University

There is a general feeling that $C$ ought to be big in various respects.

University of California, Berkeley

There is a general feeling abroad that Modi needed bringing down a peg or ten.

Independent

This one began slowly, with the itchy mouth and a general feeling that things weren't right.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There is a general feeling that we need these people," Mr. Kant said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a general feeling" with a descriptive adjective to add nuance. For example, use "a general feeling of unease" or "a general feeling of optimism" to better illustrate the emotional tone.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on “a general feeling” can weaken your writing. Instead, consider specifying the source of the feeling or providing concrete evidence to support the claim. Aim to supplement it with precise details, particularly in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general feeling" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a widespread or common sentiment, belief, or impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general feeling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a common sentiment or impression. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it effectively conveys a shared understanding, it is advisable to support it with specific evidence or details, especially in formal writing. Alternatives such as "a common sentiment" or "a widespread belief" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. While quite effective, overuse in writing should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common sentiment

Focuses on the shared nature of the feeling.

a widespread belief

Emphasizes the broad acceptance or holding of an idea.

a prevailing sense

Highlights the dominance or strength of the feeling.

a general impression

Replaces "feeling" with a more cognitive term, focusing on perception.

a collective consciousness

Indicates a shared awareness among a group.

a shared understanding

Emphasizes the agreement or common knowledge.

a public perception

Focuses on how something is viewed by the general populace.

a popular notion

Highlights the widespread acceptance of an idea or concept.

a prevailing attitude

Focuses on a dominant mindset or disposition.

a mainstream view

Highlights the common or accepted viewpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general feeling" to describe a widespread sentiment or impression about something. For example, "There was "a general feeling" of relief after the announcement."

What is a good alternative to "a general feeling"?

Alternatives include "a common sentiment", "a widespread belief", or "a prevailing sense", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a general feeling" in academic writing?

While acceptable, it's often better to provide specific evidence or data to support your claims in academic writing. Supplement "a general feeling" with concrete examples or research findings whenever possible.

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

"A general feeling" typically refers to an emotional state or sentiment, while "a general sense" often describes an intuitive understanding or perception. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting an emotion or an awareness.