a sense of privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a sense of privilege' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of being fortunate, lucky, or special. For example, "It's a privilege to be invited to the president's dinner, and I feel a strong sense of privilege knowing that I'm one of the few to be invited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

First, what its effect wasn't: a sense of privilege.

The New Yorker

The Spaniards had a 2-0 lead because they showed a sense of privilege.

The New York Times - Sports

And I must say that, riding at the front of the top deck, one does have a sense of privilege.

The Guardian - Arts

"I feel such a sense of privilege and responsibility to be participating in an art form that's so rich.

The New York Times

Citizens make up about 15 percent of the nation's 1.6 million people — a demographic oddity that fuels a sense of privilege and victimization.

The New York Times

Continuously providing updates on life for others can encourage a person to hone a sense of humor and check a sense of privilege.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Part of the online rage that greeted Grunwald's tweet, especially overnight, was at a sense of American privilege.

The New Yorker

This has fostered a sense of black privilege, swagger and, yes, the hubris that comes with leadership.

The New York Times

While we pay hundreds of dollars a month for parking in New York City, judges get free spots at the courthouse, unnecessarily breeding a sense of superiority, privilege and arrogance that too often filters down to their courtroom behavior.

The New York Times

They are, more and more, bearing the burden of our wars — and they are bearing, too, the burden of fellow-soldiers and superior officers who treat them with a sense of sexual privilege or even violence.

The New Yorker

"Rachel Corrie" is a ventriloquist's act in which the bright, fine-boned Megan Dodds, who radiates a sense of both privilege and pluck, resuscitates from diary entries and e-mails the voice and being of the American pro-Palestinian activist Rachel Corrie, who died at the age of twenty-three.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "a sense of privilege", be mindful of the context and consider whether you are referring to a positive feeling of gratitude or a potentially negative sense of entitlement. Ensure your language reflects the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of privilege" interchangeably with entitlement. Privilege can imply gratitude for advantages, while entitlement suggests an expectation of those advantages as a right.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of privilege" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a feeling or awareness related to having advantages or special opportunities. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of privilege" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the feeling or awareness of having certain advantages. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally neutral, its connotation can vary based on context, ranging from positive gratitude to negative entitlement. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and to avoid confusing it with entitlement. It frequently appears in News & Media sources, reflecting its relevance in discussions of social dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a feeling of entitlement

Emphasizes the belief of deserving certain advantages.

a position of advantage

Highlights the favorable circumstances one may have.

a state of being fortunate

Focuses on the luck and good fortune associated with privilege.

an attitude of superiority

Highlights the potential arrogance linked to privilege.

a mindset of deservingness

Underscores the belief that one is inherently worthy of benefits.

a position of power

Highlights the influence and authority derived from privilege.

a station of advantage

Emphasizes the benefits derived from a privileged social standing.

a sense of special treatment

Focuses on the preferential handling experienced due to privilege.

an awareness of advantage

Highlights the understanding that one has benefits others lack.

an expectation of deference

Emphasizes the anticipation of respect and compliance from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sense of privilege" to describe the feeling of being fortunate or having advantages. For example, "She felt "a sense of privilege" being able to attend such a prestigious university."

What are some alternatives to "a sense of privilege"?

Alternatives include "a feeling of entitlement", "a position of advantage", or "a state of being fortunate", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to have "a sense of privilege"?

Not necessarily. "A sense of privilege" can be positive if it fosters gratitude and a desire to use one's advantages to help others. However, it can be negative if it leads to entitlement or a lack of awareness of others' struggles.

What is the difference between "a sense of privilege" and "a sense of entitlement"?

"A sense of privilege" often implies an acknowledgment of one's advantages and can be accompanied by gratitude. "A sense of entitlement", on the other hand, suggests a belief that one is inherently deserving of certain benefits or advantages.