a tenuous feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tenuous feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling that is weak, fragile, or not firmly established. Example: "She had a tenuous feeling of hope that things would improve, but she wasn't entirely convinced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To me, it's a lot to do with a tenuous feeling of 'interference' and I want there to be a sense of duality between our digital experience and our lived experience.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The day is not a pie but a vapor, a tenuous notion.

The New Yorker

Any tenuous feeling of security wouldn't have been helped by Michael Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted's statement that children's services directors are spending too much time at conferences and away from their real work, or Trowler's argument that the professional leadership of children's social work services should be held by assistant directors.

The Guardian

With one question, Dr. Gale had shattered my brittle confidence and my tenuous feeling of belonging at Duke.

Huffington Post

As a former Taoist and current atheist, I have a tenuous relationship with the spirit world.

TechCrunch

A tenuous calm reigns.

The New Yorker

It was a tenuous line.

The New Yorker

That is a tenuous assertion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The place may have a tenuous atmosphere.

The Economist

It was a tenuous existence.

The New York Times - Food

But she is in a tenuous position.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tenuous feeling" to accurately describe an emotion or sense that is fragile, uncertain, or not strongly held. This phrase is particularly effective in conveying a sense of vulnerability or impermanence.

Common error

Avoid using "a tenuous feeling" when describing strong or definite emotions. This phrase is specifically for subtle, wavering, or uncertain senses, not for intense or firmly established feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tenuous feeling" functions as a noun phrase, where "tenuous" modifies "feeling". As supported by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and used to describe a fragile or uncertain emotion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tenuous feeling" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a fragile or uncertain emotion, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is relatively rare, with examples primarily found in news and media contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, expressing a sense of uncertainty or lack of conviction. Related phrases include "a fragile sense" and "a weak sentiment", offering alternative ways to convey similar nuances. While appropriate for formal writing, it's crucial to avoid using it for strong or definite emotions, ensuring accuracy in expressing subtle, wavering feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile sense

Replaces "tenuous" with "fragile", emphasizing the delicate nature of the feeling.

a weak sentiment

Substitutes "tenuous" with "weak" and "feeling" with "sentiment", highlighting the lack of strength in the emotion.

an uncertain emotion

Replaces "tenuous" with "uncertain", focusing on the lack of clarity or definiteness of the emotion.

a delicate sensation

Uses "delicate" instead of "tenuous" and "sensation" instead of "feeling", suggesting a refined and easily disrupted experience.

a precarious awareness

Employs "precarious" to indicate a state of instability and "awareness" to denote a conscious understanding.

a flimsy impression

Replaces "tenuous" with "flimsy", emphasizing the insubstantial nature of the impression.

a vague feeling

Substitutes "tenuous" with "vague", focusing on the lack of clarity and precision of the feeling.

an unsubstantial emotion

Uses "unsubstantial" to replace "tenuous", further highlighting the lack of a solid foundation for the emotion.

a questionable sensation

Employs "questionable" to suggest doubt or uncertainty about the validity or reliability of the sensation.

a fleeting awareness

Replaces "tenuous" with "fleeting", emphasizing the short-lived or transient nature of the awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "a tenuous feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "a tenuous feeling" to describe a fragile or uncertain emotion. For example, "She had "a tenuous feeling" of hope despite the overwhelming odds".

What does "a tenuous feeling" mean?

"A tenuous feeling" refers to an emotion or sensation that is weak, fragile, or uncertain. It suggests a lack of solidity or strength in the feeling.

What are some alternatives to "a tenuous feeling"?

Alternatives include "a fragile sense", "a weak sentiment", or "an uncertain emotion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a tenuous feeling" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tenuous feeling" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when precision is needed to describe subtle or uncertain emotions. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.