a keen feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a keen feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense emotional awareness or perception about something. Example: "She had a keen feeling that something was not right in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I looked out at the handicrafts and had a keen feeling of the world slipping and changing.

The Guardian - Travel

On Sunday he played this touchstone Bach score with crisp articulation, verve and a keen feeling for the character of each variation.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Fleming, looking and sounding radiant, shaped each phrase with sensitivity to the words and a keen feeling for nuance and color.

The New York Times

Though Mr. Reich has a keen feeling for moment-to-moment musical drama, he is less secure here plotting extended dramatic structure.

The New York Times - Arts

But this work also gives us all of a novel's pleasures – a story laden with significance and drama and meaning, a keen feeling of relationship between reader and characters, a fully realised world through which we may roam.

The Guardian - Books

He is a director with a keen feeling for atmosphere, while designer Tom Scutt's set handsomely evokes the redbrick terraces of 1970s Salford, inhabited by chip-shop owner George Khan, his wife, Ella, and six of their seven children.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He has a luxuriantly observant memory, and his past is evoked with keen feeling as well as a pervasive self-deprecating wit.

The Guardian - Books

Meanwhile, her keen feeling for footwork keeps supplying a bubbling stream of air into her dances.

The New York Times - Arts

It's so beautiful I can hardly bear it, and scrunch up my face in a kind of pain when it's on – the kind of embarrassingly keen feeling that age will hopefully never wither.

The Guardian - Music

These events, though told with some fairly keen feeling, are less than momentous.

The Guardian - Books

Even if the Essex side never quite believed in miracles, they did enough to leave Keen feeling "nothing but pride for the way they've represented the club".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a keen feeling" to express a strong, distinct emotion or awareness. It suggests a higher degree of intensity and perception than a simple "feeling."

Common error

While "keen" adds emphasis, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "acute", "intense", or "strong" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a keen feeling" functions as a noun phrase, with "keen" modifying the noun "feeling". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an emotional state or perception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a keen feeling" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a strong and distinct emotion or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Arts, and Books, with a neutral register. When using the phrase, consider its slightly formal tone and ensure it fits the overall context. For alternatives, consider using "a strong emotion" or "a sharp awareness" to vary your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong emotion

This alternative replaces "keen feeling" with a more general term, focusing on the intensity of the emotion.

an intense sensation

This alternative shifts the focus to the physical aspect of the feeling, emphasizing its intensity.

a heartfelt emotion

This alternative emphasizes the sincerity and depth of the emotion.

a profound sentiment

This alternative elevates the feeling to a deeper, more significant level.

a deep-seated emotion

This emphasizes that the feeling is fundamental and ingrained.

a sharp awareness

This alternative focuses on the cognitive aspect, highlighting the clarity and intensity of perception.

a palpable sense

This phrase indicates that the feeling is almost tangible or easily perceived.

a visceral reaction

This alternative suggests a strong, instinctive feeling.

a vivid impression

This option conveys a clear and memorable feeling.

a marked sensitivity

Highlights a heightened ability to perceive and feel.

FAQs

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

You can use "a keen feeling" to describe a strong or intense emotional awareness or perception about something. For example, "She had a keen feeling that something was not right".

What can I say instead of "a keen feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong emotion", "an intense sensation", or "a sharp awareness" depending on the context.

Is "keen feeling" formal or informal?

While generally appropriate, "keen" can sometimes sound slightly formal. Consider the context and audience when choosing between "a keen feeling" and a more straightforward phrase like "a strong feeling".

How does "a keen feeling" differ from "a strong feeling"?

"A keen feeling" suggests a sharper, more defined sense than "a strong feeling". "Keen" implies a heightened awareness or sensitivity to the emotion.