a terrible feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unpleasant emotional state or sensation that someone is experiencing. Example: "After hearing the news, I was overwhelmed by a terrible feeling of dread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a terrible feeling when you can't even feel safe in your own home.

Vice

It was a terrible feeling.

BBC

That's a terrible feeling.

The Guardian - Sport

That is a terrible feeling.

The Washington Post

I left Odessa with a terrible feeling.

The New Yorker

It was just a terrible feeling".

Independent

This is a terrible feeling".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a terrible feeling," he said.

The New York Times

"That's a terrible feeling for a father.

The Guardian

"It's a terrible feeling to see that touchdown.

The New York Times - Sports

"It must be a terrible feeling for the family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a terrible feeling", be specific about its source or cause to provide context and enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible feeling" as a generic descriptor. Instead, try to pinpoint the specific emotion or sensation to convey a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a terrible feeling" is as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a verb, typically describing an unpleasant emotional or physical state. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use in expressing subjective experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible feeling" is a commonly used phrase to describe an unpleasant emotional or physical sensation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to use the phrase with precision, specifying the source or nature of the feeling for clarity. Consider alternatives such as "an awful sensation" or "a dreadful emotion" for nuanced expression. While grammatically correct, avoid overuse by using more specific language in formal writing. When used thoughtfully, "a terrible feeling" effectively conveys distress or unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dreadful emotion

Highlights the emotional component, suggesting a deep sense of unease.

an awful sensation

Emphasizes the physical or sensory aspect of the feeling.

a sickening feeling

Suggests a feeling that is physically repulsive or nauseating.

a distressing sensation

Implies that the feeling causes significant worry or anxiety.

a profound sense of unease

Highlights the depth and unsettling nature of the feeling.

a disturbing wave of anxiety

Suggests a sudden and unsettling rush of worry or fear.

a horrible experience

Focuses on the event causing the feeling, rather than the feeling itself.

a nagging feeling of dread

Emphasizes a persistent and worrisome anticipation of something bad.

a crushing sense of despair

Conveys a more intense and overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

a heavy weight of sorrow

Focuses on the burden and sadness associated with the feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible feeling" to describe an unpleasant emotional or physical sensation. For example: "I had a terrible feeling that something was wrong" or "It's a terrible feeling to lose someone important to you".

What are some alternatives to "a terrible feeling"?

Some alternatives include "an awful sensation", "a dreadful emotion", or "a horrible experience", depending on the specific context.

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

While "a terrible feeling" is grammatically correct, consider using more precise and nuanced language in formal writing to convey the specific emotion or sensation you intend to describe. Choose a phrase that better suits the formality of the document.

What's the difference between "a terrible feeling" and "a bad feeling"?

"A terrible feeling" implies a more intense and distressing sensation than "a bad feeling". "Terrible" suggests a significant level of discomfort or unease, while "bad" is a more general and milder term.