a pernicious feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pernicious feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotion or sentiment that is harmful or destructive in nature. Example: "She couldn't shake off the pernicious feeling of doubt that lingered in her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The budget cuts have not only exacerbated unemployment and dampened consumer demand, they've shaken the society to its core with a pernicious feeling that the quality of life in America is declining.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a pernicious relationship".

Independent

That's a pernicious fallacy.

The New York Times

It's a pernicious myth.

The New York Times

She was such a pernicious character.

Independent

This is a pernicious kind of benevolence.

The Economist

"That is a pernicious and dangerous thing".

The Guardian - Books

Such a pernicious cycle seems highly likely.

The Guardian - Opinion

If these works have a "pernicious influence" on English-speaking theater, give me "pernicious".

The New York Times

First, state-level politics can play a pernicious role.

The Economist

Still, the act also had a pernicious effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pernicious feeling" to describe a feeling that is not only negative but also subtly harmful and difficult to eradicate. This phrase is suitable when emphasizing the insidious and destructive nature of an emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "pernicious" in overly casual or lighthearted contexts. The word carries a strong connotation of harm and moral decay, making it unsuitable for describing minor annoyances or trivial negative feelings. Opt for words like "unpleasant" or "troublesome" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pernicious feeling" functions as a noun phrase where "pernicious" modifies "feeling". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. It often describes an emotion that is subtly damaging or destructive.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pernicious feeling" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a subtly harmful and gradually destructive emotion. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the word "pernicious" carries strong negative connotations, the phrase maintains a neutral register due to its prevalence in objective reporting. To ensure correct usage, remember that "a pernicious feeling" is best suited for describing emotions that are not only negative but also insidious and difficult to eradicate. If a less formal alternative is needed, consider using phrases like "a harmful feeling" or "a toxic feeling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a destructive sentiment

Focuses more on the potential damage the feeling can cause.

a harmful sensation

Emphasizes the damaging nature of the feeling experienced.

an insidious emotion

Highlights the gradual and subtle way the feeling operates.

a corrupting influence

Stresses the deteriorating effect of the feeling on one's character or well-being.

a toxic emotional state

Uses a more intense term to emphasize the damaging impact.

a malignant disposition

Highlights the desire to do evil or be malicious.

a negative undercurrent

Suggests a subtle but palpable negative feeling that is always present.

a creeping unease

Highlights the progressive and worrying nature of the feeling.

a troubling undercurrent

Highlights the disturbing and worrying nature of the feeling.

a creeping disquiet

Highlights the progressive and disturbing nature of the feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pernicious feeling" to describe a subtly harmful emotion or sentiment. For instance, "The constant criticism fostered a pernicious feeling of self-doubt."

What's a less formal alternative to "a pernicious feeling"?

If you need a less formal option, consider using phrases like "a harmful feeling" or "a toxic feeling". These alternatives convey a similar sense of negativity without the strong connotations of "pernicious".

Is it correct to say "a pernicious thought" instead of "a pernicious feeling"?

Yes, you can replace "feeling" with other nouns like "thought", "influence", or "effect", depending on the context. For example, "a pernicious thought" refers to a subtly damaging or corrupting idea.

What is the difference between "a pernicious feeling" and "a bad feeling"?

"A bad feeling" is a general term for any unpleasant emotion. "A pernicious feeling" /s/a+harmful+feeling specifies a feeling that is subtly harmful and difficult to get rid of, implying a deeper and more insidious negativity.