ambivalent about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambivalent about" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing mixed feelings or contradictory attitudes toward something. Example: She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city. Alternative expressions include "conflicted about" and "uncertain about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(We're ambivalent about ambivalence).

The New York Times - Magazine

There's nothing ambivalent about Solomon.

The New York Times

Now I'm deeply ambivalent about him.

The New York Times

She seems ambivalent about this.

Harvard Business Review

I'm ambivalent about military chaplaincy.

The Guardian

I am ambivalent about bubbles.

MIT Technology Review

OraSure appears ambivalent about partner screening.

The New York Times - Health

He sounded ambivalent about winning the bet.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was just ambivalent about marriage".

The New York Times

"No one feels ambivalent about it".

The New Yorker

The Moscow intelligentsia was ambivalent about Gorbachev.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambivalent about" to accurately convey mixed feelings or uncertainty when a straightforward positive or negative stance doesn't fully capture your attitude. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent about" when you actually mean indifferent or apathetic. Ambivalence implies a conflict of feelings, while indifference suggests a lack of concern or interest altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent about" functions as an adjectival phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a state of having mixed feelings or conflicting ideas about something. According to Ludwig, the usage is correct and commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambivalent about" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for expressing mixed feelings or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "unsure about" or "having mixed feelings about" exist, "ambivalent about" provides a specific nuance that conveys a balance of positive and negative sentiments, distinguishing it from mere indifference. Remember to use it when you truly mean to express conflicting emotions, adding depth and accuracy to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having mixed feelings about

Directly expresses the combination of positive and negative emotions or opinions.

unsure about

Simply states a lack of certainty or confidence.

of two minds about

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the internal conflict of having two opposing viewpoints.

conflicted over

Focuses on the internal conflict and the cause of it; "over" specifies what is causing the conflict.

torn between

Idiomatic expression indicating a difficult choice between two options or feelings.

uncertain regarding

Replaces "ambivalent" with "uncertain" focusing on the lack of sureness; "regarding" is a more formal preposition than "about".

hesitant regarding

Highlights the reluctance or pause in making a decision; "regarding" is a more formal preposition than "about".

undecided concerning

Highlights the lack of a firm decision; "concerning" is a more formal preposition.

equivocal toward

"Equivocal" suggests a deliberate ambiguity or hedging of opinion; "toward" is a synonym preposition for "about".

wavering on the subject of

Emphasizes the instability and back-and-forth nature of one's opinion; specifies "subject of" to clarify focus.

FAQs

How can I use "ambivalent about" in a sentence?

Use "ambivalent about" to express mixed feelings or uncertainty toward something. For example, "I'm ambivalent about the new policy because it has both advantages and disadvantages".

What's a simpler way to say "ambivalent about"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "unsure about", "having mixed feelings about", or "undecided about" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "ambivalent with" instead of "ambivalent about"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "ambivalent" is "about". Saying "ambivalent with" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "ambivalent about" and "indifferent to"?

"Ambivalent about" implies mixed feelings or uncertainty, whereas "indifferent to" suggests a lack of interest or concern. Ambivalence involves conflicting emotions, while indifference involves a lack of emotion.