a sense of relief

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of relief" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a way of expressing the feeling of being relieved, or to be thankful for something. For example: "The family was overwhelmed with a sense of relief when they were told their loved one was safe".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I felt a sense of relief.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's a sense of relief".

The New York Times - Sports

There is certainly a sense of relief".

The New York Times

I have such a sense of relief".

The New York Times

Lakshman felt a sense of relief.

The New Yorker

"A sense of relief and accomplishment.

The New York Times

We conclude this settlement with a sense of relief.

Stanford University

"We felt a sense of relief," the adviser said.

The New York Times

Part of his ease was a sense of relief.

The New York Times

He retired with a sense of relief to Avignon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was a sense of relief in the air.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of relief" to describe the feeling after a stressful event has concluded. It accurately conveys the feeling of being freed from worry or pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of relief" when the situation doesn't involve prior stress or difficulty. Using it when describing something pleasant from the start can sound odd.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of relief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes an emotional state. Ludwig provides examples where it describes a feeling experienced after a stressful event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sense of relief" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the feeling of being freed from stress or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, predominantly in News & Media. It's important to use this phrase when describing the feeling after a burden has been lifted, and not in situations where prior stress is absent. Related phrases include "a feeling of comfort" or "a weight off one's shoulders", which can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weight off one's shoulders

Emphasizes the removal of a burden or responsibility, implying relief.

a feeling of comfort

Focuses more on the feeling of comfort rather than specifically the alleviation of stress.

release from pressure

Implies a reduction or elimination of stress.

an easing of tension

Highlights the reduction in stress or anxiety.

alleviation of anxiety

Directly addresses the lessening of worry and nervousness.

a surge of calmness

Highlights the sudden onset of peace and tranquility.

a liberation

Implies freedom from constraint or difficulty.

a wave of ease

Focuses on the feeling of comfort, using 'wave' to describe intensity.

a restored sense of well-being

Focuses on the return to a state of health and contentment.

a moment of peace

Underscores the tranquility experienced in the immediate moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sense of relief" to describe how someone feels after a stressful situation ends. For instance, "After the exam, she felt "a sense of relief"".

What's a good alternative to "a sense of relief"?

Alternatives include "a feeling of comfort", "a weight off one's shoulders", or "release from pressure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a sense of relief"?

While grammatically correct, using "a sense of relief" might be inappropriate if the situation described doesn't involve prior stress or difficulty. It's best used when describing the feeling after a burden has been lifted.

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

"A sense of relief" implies freedom from worry or stress, while "a sense of satisfaction" suggests contentment with an outcome or achievement. They are related but not interchangeable.