a sense that

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a feeling or impression that something might be true. For example: "I had a sense that he was lying to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a sense that is already happening.

Independent

In a sense, that is gone.

The New York Times - Arts

In a sense, that might be true.

The Guardian - Sport

In a sense that is a good thing.

The Economist

In a sense, that is no commandment at all.

The New York Times

Already there was a sense that something extraordinary was unfolding.

The Guardian - Sport

In a sense, that was the spirit of the deal.

Huffington Post

In a sense that conversation never stopped.

The Guardian - Books

Not, in a sense, that it matters.

The Guardian - Books

A sense that nothing quite makes sense.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In a sense, that is right.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense that" to introduce a subjective feeling or impression, especially when you don't have concrete evidence.

Common error

While "a sense that" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "an impression that" or "a feeling that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

A sense that functions as a phrase introducing a subjective feeling, impression, or intuition. It often precedes a clause expressing the content of that feeling, as seen in the Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a subjective feeling or impression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While widely used across different contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media. When writing, consider using synonyms to avoid repetition, and ensure the tone aligns with the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impression that

Replaces "sense" with "impression", focusing on the feeling or belief.

a feeling that

Substitutes "sense" with "feeling", emphasizing the emotional aspect.

a perception that

Uses "perception" instead of "sense", highlighting the way something is understood or interpreted.

a belief that

Emphasizes the conviction or acceptance of something as true.

an inkling that

Suggests a vague or uncertain feeling about something.

a hunch that

Implies an intuitive feeling or premonition.

a suspicion that

Conveys a feeling of doubt or mistrust.

an awareness that

Focuses on being conscious or informed about something.

a recognition that

Highlights the acknowledgment or understanding of something.

an intuition that

Stresses the immediate and instinctive understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sense that" to introduce a feeling, belief, or impression. For example, "I had "a sense that" something was wrong."

What are some alternatives to "a sense that"?

Alternatives include "an impression that", "a feeling that", or "a perception that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sense that" formal or informal?

"A sense that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the specific context and choose the most appropriate wording for your audience.

What's the difference between "a sense that" and "I think that"?

"A sense that" implies a feeling or intuition, while "I think that" expresses a more reasoned opinion or belief. "A sense that" suggests a less concrete basis for the belief compared to "I think that".