a pang of envy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pang of envy" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden or sharp feeling of envy or jealousy. Example: As she watched her friends receive praise and recognition for their achievements, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It begins with a pang of envy.

The Guardian - Opinion

New Yorkers may also feel a pang of envy upon visiting Philadelphia's new Verizon Hall.

The New Yorker

As a regular visitor to Galway, I was delighted but also felt a pang of envy.

The Guardian

We looked into a bedroom on the first floor, and I felt a pang of envy.

The New Yorker

I could not help feeling a pang of envy, as well as a hope that a similar change may one day happen in the Middle East.

The New York Times

When he heard about LeBron James's new ride last week, the 7-foot prodigy from Yugoslavia felt a pang of envy.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

If seeing a supercar dodging through traffic elicits a sharp pang of envy on your part, take solace in knowing that car is likely very difficult to live with on a daily basis.

Los Angeles Times

I felt a rare pang of envy.

The New York Times - Travel

For those who have not seen it, I feel a sharp pang of envy: for them, the rush of pleasure is yet to come.

The Guardian

Ms. Sillman said that, apart from a recent pang of envy when she encountered some much larger and more deluxe artist studios, she felt like she was in a good work groove in Bushwick.

The New York Times - Arts

Got a horrible pang of envy, PEN sent their yearly brochure of International PEN events.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pang of envy" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of wanting what someone else has, especially when the feeling is fleeting or unexpected. It effectively conveys a mix of desire and slight discomfort.

Common error

While related, "envy" refers to wanting what someone else has, while "jealousy" involves fearing the loss of something you already possess. Ensure you're accurately describing the emotion. Using "a pang of jealousy" implies a fear of losing something, not simply wanting something someone else has.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pang of envy" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., felt a pang of envy) or follows a preposition. It describes a sudden and sharp feeling of envy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pang of envy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of wanting what someone else has. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in news and media to express this specific type of envy. While alternatives like "a twinge of jealousy" or "a wave of envy" exist, "a pang of envy" effectively conveys a momentary but noticeable feeling. Remember to distinguish between envy and jealousy, and use the phrase to capture that distinct feeling of wanting what another possesses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a twinge of jealousy

Similar to a pang, but emphasizes the feeling of jealousy more directly.

a wave of envy

Implies a more overwhelming feeling of envy, like a sudden surge.

a touch of envy

Suggests a milder, less intense form of envy.

a hint of envy

Even weaker than "a touch of envy", indicating a very subtle feeling.

a feeling of enviousness

A more formal and descriptive way of expressing envy.

a sense of longing

Focuses on the desire for what someone else has, rather than the negative emotion of envy.

a desire for their possessions

More specifically focuses on wanting the material things someone else owns.

feeling covetous

Emphasizes the strong desire to possess something belonging to another.

bitter resentment

Highlights the negative emotions associated with envy, focusing on the bitterness and anger.

grudging admiration

Acknowledges both the admiration for the other person's qualities and the resentment of not possessing them oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "a pang of envy" in a sentence?

You can use "a pang of envy" to describe a sudden feeling of wanting something that someone else possesses. For instance, "Seeing her luxurious vacation photos gave me "a pang of envy"".

What's a less formal way to express the feeling of "a pang of envy"?

Informally, you could say you felt "a touch of envy" or that you were "green with envy", though these don't capture the sudden, sharp aspect as precisely.

Is there a difference between "a pang of envy" and "a wave of envy"?

"A pang of envy" suggests a brief, sharp feeling, while "a wave of envy" implies a more overwhelming and sustained emotion. Choose the phrase that best fits the intensity and duration of the feeling you're describing.

What are some similar phrases to "a pang of envy" that emphasize the desire aspect?

Phrases like "a sense of longing" or "a desire for their possessions" highlight the wanting aspect, whereas "bitter resentment" emphasizes the negative emotions associated with the envy.