a semblance of feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a semblance of feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a superficial or slight appearance of emotion or sentiment. Example: "Despite his calm demeanor, there was a semblance of feeling in his eyes that suggested he was deeply affected by the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Charlie's soulless rat-a-tat-tat delivery acquires a semblance of feeling only when he is wheedling Grace to follow his wishes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The internet, Mark reflects, presents us with "a whole new way of feeling lonely, a semblance of plenitude but really a new level of Dante's inferno, a zombie-filled cemetery of spurious clues, beauty, pathos, pain, the faces of puppies, women and men from all over the world tied up and wanked over in site after site, a great sea of hidden shallows.

The Guardian - Books

"The weather's the only problem, really," says Ali, as he, Jonny and I sit around their kitchen table in the West Yorkshire village of Bramhope, attempting to regain some semblance of feeling in our extremities.

The Guardian

Over time, a semblance of normalcy returned.

The New Yorker

A semblance of normal life has returned.

The Economist

A semblance of political comedy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I want a semblance of the truth.

The New York Times

"There is a semblance of normality in Freetown.

The Guardian

All those excuses have a semblance of truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Slowly, the war's end brought a semblance of peace.

The New York Times

But a semblance of calm has returned, he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a semblance of feeling" when you want to suggest that an emotion is present, but it is weak, superficial, or possibly not genuine. This phrase is useful in describing characters or situations where emotions are muted or ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "a semblance of feeling" when you want to describe a strong, authentic emotion. This phrase implies a lack of genuine feeling, so using it inappropriately can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a semblance of feeling" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a partial or superficial display of emotion. As Ludwig AI suggests, it points to a superficial appearance of emotion or sentiment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a semblance of feeling" is a noun phrase used to describe a superficial or faint appearance of emotion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that the emotion might not be genuine or deeply felt. It is grammatically correct but relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful that it implies a lack of genuine emotion, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. Alternatives like "a hint of emotion" or "a touch of sentiment" might be more suitable depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of emotion

Focuses on a subtle indication of emotion, implying it's barely noticeable.

a touch of sentiment

Emphasizes a delicate or understated expression of sentimentality.

an outward show of emotion

Highlights the external manifestation of feeling, which may not be genuine.

a superficial display of feeling

Stresses the lack of depth or sincerity in the expressed emotion.

a faint trace of emotion

Indicates a minimal and almost imperceptible presence of feeling.

a shadow of sentiment

Implies a weakened or diminished form of sentiment, hinting at a deeper emotion that is not fully present.

a gesture of emotion

Highlights a specific action or expression that suggests an underlying feeling.

an air of sentiment

Suggests an atmosphere or subtle quality that hints at underlying emotions.

a pretense of emotion

Highlights the insincerity of the emotion, implying it is being faked.

an impression of feeling

Focuses on the perception or appearance of emotion, regardless of its genuineness.

FAQs

How can "a semblance of feeling" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a semblance of feeling" to describe a faint or superficial emotion, as in: "Despite his stoic facade, there was "a semblance of feeling" in his eyes when he spoke of his lost friend."

What are some alternatives to "a semblance of feeling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a hint of emotion", "a touch of sentiment", or "a faint trace of emotion".

Is it appropriate to use "a semblance of feeling" to describe positive emotions?

Yes, but be mindful that it can imply the emotion is not fully genuine or is weak. It's often more suitable for describing subdued or ambiguous emotions, rather than overwhelming joy or love.

What is the difference between "a semblance of feeling" and "genuine feeling"?

"A semblance of feeling" suggests a superficial or incomplete emotion, while "genuine feeling" implies a deep, authentic emotion. The former suggests an outward appearance that may not reflect the true state of the person, whereas the latter indicates true emotion.