a twinge of bitterness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a twinge of bitterness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight feeling of resentment or disappointment in a situation. Example: "After hearing the news of her promotion, he felt a twinge of bitterness, wishing it had been him instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's the height," Mr. Coleman says with a twinge of bitterness.

The New York Times

June is, of course, for graduates and brides, but like all bridesmaids, there is a twinge of bitterness couched in the festivities.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She felt a twinge of envy.

The New Yorker

Still, a twinge of doubt set in.

The Washington Post

I feel a twinge of revulsion.

The Guardian

Galla felt a twinge of betrayal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps he feels a twinge of complicity.

The New York Times - Books

Or maybe there is even a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

I replaced the dress, with a twinge of regret.

The New York Times

Hearing that story recently elicited a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

You may recall nervousness, a twinge of guilt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a twinge of bitterness" to subtly convey a feeling of resentment or disappointment without being overly dramatic or negative. It's effective for depicting internal emotional states in narratives or describing complex feelings in personal essays.

Common error

Avoid using "a twinge of bitterness" repeatedly in a short span. The phrase is best used sparingly to maintain its impact and prevent it from sounding repetitive or cliché.

Linguistic Context

A twinge of bitterness functions as a noun phrase that describes a mild feeling of resentment or disappointment. Ludwig AI shows this phrase effectively conveys a subtle negative emotion, fitting within descriptions of character's inner states or reactions to events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a twinge of bitterness" is a phrase used to describe a mild feeling of resentment or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not frequently used, it serves as a nuanced way to express negative emotions without being overtly aggressive. Alternatives include "a hint of resentment" or "a touch of acrimony". When using this phrase, it's advisable to use it sparingly to avoid repetition and to ensure it resonates effectively with the reader. The phrase captures subtle internal states, making it valuable for narrative and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shade of resentment

Conveys a very faint and almost imperceptible feeling of ill will.

a grain of displeasure

Implies a very small and almost insignificant amount of dissatisfaction.

a hint of resentment

Suggests a slightly less intense and more subtle feeling of displeasure.

a fleeting resentment

Highlights the brief and temporary nature of the negative emotion.

a touch of acrimony

Implies a sharper and more hostile undercurrent than simple bitterness.

a dash of cynicism

Suggests a more intellectual and detached form of negativity.

a trace of animosity

Suggests a lingering and underlying feeling of dislike or hostility.

a pang of envy

Focuses on the feeling of wanting what someone else has, which can contribute to bitterness.

a spark of indignation

Indicates a righteous anger or displeasure, often in response to perceived unfairness.

a wave of disappointment

Emphasizes the feeling of unfulfilled expectations that precedes bitterness.

FAQs

How can I use "a twinge of bitterness" in a sentence?

You can use "a twinge of bitterness" to describe a mild feeling of resentment or disappointment, as in, "She felt "a twinge of bitterness" when she saw her colleague get the promotion she had hoped for."

What are some alternatives to "a twinge of bitterness"?

Alternatives include "a hint of resentment", "a touch of acrimony", or "a shade of resentment", each conveying a slightly different nuance of negative feeling.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a twinge of bitterness" in formal writing?

While not strictly informal, "a twinge of bitterness" is generally better suited for creative or narrative writing than for formal academic or business contexts, where more direct language might be preferred. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "a twinge of bitterness" and "outright bitterness"?

"A twinge of bitterness" describes a mild or fleeting feeling, while "outright bitterness" indicates a more intense, pervasive, and long-lasting state of resentment. The former is a momentary sensation, the latter a deep-seated emotion.