a sense of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense of" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate an emotion or feeling, or an understanding of something. For example: "She had a sense of dread as she entered the dark room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sense of entitlement.

The New York Times

A sense of humour.

Independent

A sense of propulsion.

The New York Times - Travel

A sense of jeopardy?

Independent

A sense of Sea.

The New Yorker

A sense of urgency grew.

The New York Times

Create a sense of ownership.

The New York Times - Health

"There's a sense of urgency.

The New York Times

And a sense of humor.

The New York Times

And a sense of purpose.

The New Yorker

Blame a sense of desperation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of" to introduce subjective experiences, emotions, or perceptions, especially when describing abstract concepts or feelings. It is a versatile phrase applicable in numerous contexts.

Common error

While "a sense of" is generally acceptable, excessive use can make writing sound vague. In formal contexts, consider replacing it with more precise terms like "awareness", "understanding", or "perception" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces subjective experiences, emotions, or perceptions. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it is used to express feelings, ideas, and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express feelings, perceptions, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely applicable across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While it’s generally acceptable, more precise terms might be preferred in formal writing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a feeling of", "an awareness of", and "an understanding of", each offering slightly different nuances. Understanding these subtle differences allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of

Focuses more on the emotional aspect, shifting from general awareness to specific emotional experiences.

an awareness of

Emphasizes conscious perception and understanding rather than a general feeling.

a perception of

Highlights the interpretation and understanding of something through the senses.

an understanding of

Stresses intellectual comprehension and grasp of a concept or situation.

an impression of

Indicates a subjective feeling or idea formed from an experience.

a consciousness of

Implies a state of being aware or mindful of something.

an appreciation for

Highlights a positive recognition or valuing of something.

a recognition of

Focuses on the act of acknowledging or identifying something.

a realization of

Emphasizes the moment of becoming fully aware or understanding something.

a notion of

Suggests a general idea or concept, often less defined than a full understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a sense of" in a sentence?

Use "a sense of" to describe a feeling, perception, or understanding. For example, "She had "a sense of urgency"" or "He developed "a sense of humor"."

What are some alternatives to "a sense of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a feeling of", "an awareness of", or "an understanding of".

Is it correct to say "a sense for" instead of "a sense of"?

While "a sense for" can be used in specific contexts (e.g., "a sense for style"), "a sense of" is generally more versatile and widely applicable. Using "a sense for" outside of idiomatic expressions might sound unnatural.

What's the difference between "a sense of" and "a feeling of"?

"A sense of" often implies a more general perception or understanding, while "a feeling of" is typically used for emotional states. For example, you might have "a sense of direction" or "a feeling of joy".