a vague feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a feeling that you cannot precisely identify or explain. For example, "I had a vague feeling that something was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This was a vague feeling, nothing on which you could build, but all the same I knew I had something there.

The New Yorker

A vague feeling of disbelief grips me.

The Guardian - Travel

Have a vague feeling of malaise?

The New York Times

A vague feeling of a heterogeneous opposition to Johnson group.

The New Yorker

As simple as it is, this gives you a vague feeling, this is the same solution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I'm basically going to just give you a vague feeling of how you get certain results.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"But I refuse to live my life on the sidelines with a vague feeling of regret.

The Guardian

I start with a vague feeling and then I'll keep worrying it until the characters emerge.

The New Yorker

Distracted, playacting, and with a vague feeling of shame, Meriel said goodbye.

The New Yorker

She left no name with the attendants who revived her - only a vague feeling of apprehension.

The New Yorker

Any line or idea with even a vague feeling of familiarity or provenance had to be expunged.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vague feeling" to describe emotions or intuitions that are difficult to articulate precisely. This is useful when conveying uncertainty or a lack of concrete evidence for a particular sentiment.

Common error

While acceptable, consider stronger, more descriptive language in formal writing where precision is valued. Replace "a vague feeling" with a more specific term to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague feeling" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an emotion or sensation that is not clearly defined or easily articulated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vague feeling" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an emotion or sensation that lacks clear definition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While appropriate for various contexts, including news, academic, and even scientific writing, it's crucial to consider the level of formality required. Alternatives like "a subtle feeling" or "a general sense" might be more suitable for formal writing that demands precision. When you aim to convey uncertainty or a lack of concrete evidence, "a vague feeling" serves as a useful tool to acknowledge a sentiment without fully understanding it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle feeling

Emphasizes the slight or understated nature of the feeling.

a general sense

Focuses on an overall impression rather than a specific emotion.

a faint sensation

Highlights the weak or barely perceptible nature of the feeling.

a nagging suspicion

Implies a persistent, uneasy feeling based on incomplete evidence.

an ill-defined emotion

Stresses the lack of clarity or precision in the feeling.

a certain unease

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

a creeping suspicion

Highlights a feeling of distrust that grows slowly

a passing thought

Indicates a brief, fleeting idea or feeling.

a distant memory

Emphasizes the remoteness or fading quality of the feeling.

a gut feeling

Indicates an intuitive feeling, often based on instinct rather than reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vague feeling" to describe an emotion or intuition that is not clearly defined. For example: "I had "a vague feeling" that something was amiss".

What are some alternatives to "a vague feeling"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a subtle feeling", "a general sense", or "a faint sensation".

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

While grammatically correct, "a vague feeling" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise language to convey your meaning, or replace it with a subtle feeling or a similarly precise alternative.

What's the difference between "a vague feeling" and "a gut feeling"?

"A vague feeling" suggests a general sense or intuition that lacks clarity, while "a gut feeling" implies a strong, intuitive sense, often based on instinct rather than reason.