a widespread feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

"a widespread feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a shared feeling, opinion, or attitude that is held by many people in a large area. For example, "There is a widespread feeling of discontent among the population due to the rapidly rising cost of living."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yitzhak Rabin didn't actually promise peace in our time, but when he was made Prime Minister of Israel a year ago there was a widespread feeling that he would deliver just that.

Independent

But after the election there was a widespread feeling that the quants helped win it.

The New York Times

There is a widespread feeling that people simply can't hack it".

The New York Times

There is a widespread feeling that Vienna will be the same.

The New Yorker

At home, for nearly two decades there has been a widespread feeling of depression.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a widespread feeling that housing-association boards attract the worst busybodies in town.

The Economist

Reflecting a widespread feeling, a European diplomat voiced his relief but added a warning.

The Guardian

Aras Abid Akram, who lost 22 family members, offered a widespread feeling.

The New York Times

Still, there is a widespread feeling here that the press clubs must eventually change.

The New York Times

Curiously there was a widespread feeling that the Industrial revolution was more or less over.

The New Yorker

These were introduced in 2002, when he was first made interior minister, to counteract a widespread feeling of insecurity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread feeling", ensure that the context clearly indicates who holds the feeling and the reasons behind it. Provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim of widespread prevalence.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread feeling" without sufficient evidence. Base the assertion on credible sources or observable data to avoid making unsupported generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread feeling" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a shared emotional state or sentiment within a population or group. As Ludwig AI shows, this expression is commonly used in news and media to convey public sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread feeling" is a commonly used phrase to describe a sentiment shared by many, as affirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis. It functions as a noun phrase, often appearing in news and media to convey public sentiment. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's important to ensure that the assertion of a widespread feeling is supported by evidence to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "a common sentiment" or "a general impression" can be used depending on the specific context. Using this expression thoughtfully enhances the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common sentiment

Replaces "feeling" with "sentiment", emphasizing shared opinion.

a general impression

Substitutes "feeling" with "impression", suggesting a prevailing perception.

a prevailing mood

Replaces "feeling" with "mood", focusing on the emotional atmosphere.

a shared perception

Emphasizes the communal aspect of the understanding or view.

a collective sense

Highlights the group experience of the emotion or sensation.

a public opinion

Focuses on the formal expression of views held by many.

a dominant view

Indicates that the perspective is both popular and influential.

a popular belief

Stresses the widespread acceptance of an idea or concept.

a prevailing attitude

Highlights the common disposition or mindset among people.

a societal consensus

Suggests a broader, more agreed-upon understanding in the community.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread feeling" to describe a sentiment shared by many people. For example, "There is "a widespread feeling" of optimism following the economic reforms."

What are some alternatives to "a widespread feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a common sentiment", "a general impression", or "a prevailing mood" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a widespread feeling" or "a general feeling"?

"A widespread feeling" implies a sentiment shared across a large group, while "a general feeling" can refer to a less defined or less common sentiment. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a widespread feeling" and "public opinion"?

"A widespread feeling" is a general sentiment, while "public opinion" is a more formal and articulated expression of views, often measured through polls or surveys.