a powerful emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a strong feeling or sentiment that has a significant impact on a person or situation. Example: "The movie evoked a powerful emotion that left the audience in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Anger is a powerful emotion," she said.

Independent

Temptations are so strong that only a powerful emotion such as disgust can make us resist.

The New York Times - Science

Love is a powerful emotion and it is a powerful word, but we often use it so carelessly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The author's famous restraint and withholding take on the form — and are evidence — of a powerful emotion that is being held in.

The New York Times - Books

"It's my country, and it's going to be a powerful emotion," said Vieira, the latest in a line of Senegalese players to represent France.

The New York Times - Sports

Anti-Catholic prejudice, however, had been a powerful emotion in Britain since the Reformation in the 16th century, and Roman Catholicism tended to be associated by many with political absolutism and persecution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Shame is a very powerful emotion and a friend of a patriarchy".

Vice

This can often evoke a more powerful emotion in a musical cadence.

Vice

Forgiveness is a very powerful emotion especially when it is captured on TV," a source close to production tells me.

Huffington Post

Treachery is a more powerful emotion than real politic.

Independent

I've never felt that anger is a very powerful emotion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a powerful emotion" to add emphasis and depth when describing feelings, especially in narrative or descriptive writing. It effectively conveys the intensity and impact of the emotion on characters or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful emotion" as a filler phrase. Ensure the emotion being described genuinely warrants the descriptor 'powerful'. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Choose more specific and nuanced language when describing emotions that are not intensely impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful emotion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'powerful' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'emotion'. It identifies and characterizes a feeling that possesses significant strength or influence. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a powerful emotion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe feelings with significant intensity and impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in News & Media and scientific contexts, and Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing feelings like anger, love, and fear. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and ensure the described emotion truly warrants the descriptor "powerful". Consider alternatives like ""an intense emotion"" or ""a profound emotion"" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong feeling

Replaces "emotion" with "feeling" for a slightly less formal tone.

an intense emotion

Substitutes "powerful" with "intense" to emphasize the strength of the emotion.

a potent emotion

Uses "potent" instead of "powerful" to suggest the emotion's effectiveness and impact.

an overwhelming emotion

Replaces "powerful" with "overwhelming" to highlight the emotion's capacity to dominate one's thoughts and feelings.

a deeply felt emotion

Emphasizes the depth and sincerity of the emotion.

a profound emotion

Highlights the significant and far-reaching nature of the emotion.

a consuming emotion

Suggests the emotion's ability to occupy one's entire attention and energy.

a visceral emotion

Implies the emotion is experienced instinctively and deeply within the body.

an uncontrollable emotion

Focuses on the difficulty of managing or suppressing the emotion.

a commanding emotion

Suggests that the emotion is dictating the behavior.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a powerful emotion" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a powerful emotion", ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the feeling you're describing. Consider the context and choose specific language that supports the idea of power and influence. For instance, instead of simply saying "She felt sad", you might say "Grief washed over her, a powerful emotion that threatened to consume her entirely".

What are some alternatives to "a powerful emotion" that I can use to add variety to my writing?

To add variety, you can use alternatives like "a strong feeling", "an intense emotion", or "a profound emotion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a powerful emotion" in formal writing?

Yes, "a powerful emotion" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing significant emotional responses in literature, historical events, or scientific analyses of human behavior. However, be mindful of the tone and avoid melodrama. If the tone is too expressive, consider "an intense feeling".

What is the difference between "a powerful emotion" and "a strong emotion"?

While both phrases denote significant feelings, "a powerful emotion" suggests an emotion that has a considerable impact or influence, whereas "a strong emotion" simply indicates an emotion that is intense. "Powerful" emphasizes the emotion's capacity to affect behavior or outcomes, while "strong" focuses on its intensity.