ambivalent feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

"ambivalent feelings" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional responses at the same time. For example: "The outcome of the election left me with ambivalent feelings; I was glad that my candidate won, but disappointed that the other side wasn't heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(id 7) Treatment ambivalence typically consisted of ambivalent feelings and reflections about the need to change one's lifestyle and take medicines.

BMC Family Practice

(id 7) Our analysis of patients' perception ambivalence furthermore showed that the conflicting (ambivalent) feelings seemed to interact with the patients' reflections in a concurrent process.

BMC Family Practice

Their turbulent, youthful, drink- and drug-troubled affair casts a shadow over Sean's ambivalent feelings about Anna, for whom he doesn't feel the same heated need.

The New York Times

"It's a lot of ambivalent feelings, conflicted feelings," Doug said.

The New York Times - Arts

Russians undoubtedly have ambivalent feelings about oligarchs like Mr. Rybolovlev.

The New York Times

Parker had long had ambivalent feelings about Gillespie.

The New Yorker

That dichotomy reflects the artist's ambivalent feelings about tampering with nature.

The New York Times - Arts

ADS, CONNECTICUT I'll admit to deeply ambivalent feelings about the book.

The New York Times

Mr Rawlings, who admits to ambivalent feelings about democracy, is nervous.

The Economist

His critics may not realize that an artist thrives on ambivalent feelings.

The New Yorker

He has never quite resolved his ambivalent feelings about the field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex emotional states, use "ambivalent feelings" to accurately convey the presence of contradictory emotions, providing a nuanced understanding of the subject's perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent feelings" simply to denote indecision. Ambivalence involves genuinely conflicting emotions, not just a lack of clarity in making a choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent feelings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI notes, it describes a state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional responses at the same time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambivalent feelings" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that describes the experience of having mixed or contradictory emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its frequency and presence in reputable sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian, underscore its significance. Use it to express nuanced emotional states, being mindful of the distinction between true ambivalence and simple indecision. Remember to consider synonyms like "mixed emotions" and "conflicted feelings" to provide finer emotional gradients.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mixed emotions

Focuses on the combination of different emotions without necessarily implying conflict.

conflicted feelings

Emphasizes the internal conflict between opposing emotions.

uncertain sentiments

Highlights the lack of clarity and decisiveness in one's emotions.

equivocal emotions

Stresses the ambiguity and lack of a clear direction in one's feelings.

divided sentiments

Indicates a split in one's feelings, suggesting opposing viewpoints.

fluctuating emotions

Implies that the emotions are changing and unstable.

wavering feelings

Suggests that the emotions are indecisive and prone to changing.

unresolved emotions

Highlights the lack of resolution and lingering conflict in one's feelings.

contrasting emotions

Focuses on the presence of opposing emotions within oneself.

hesitant emotions

Suggests a reluctance or uncertainty in experiencing certain emotions.

FAQs

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

You can use "ambivalent feelings" to describe a state of having mixed or contradictory emotions about something. For example, "I have "ambivalent feelings" about moving to a new city; I'm excited for the opportunities, but sad to leave my friends".

What are some alternatives to saying "ambivalent feelings"?

Alternatives include "mixed emotions", "conflicted feelings", or "uncertain sentiments", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I have ambivalence about this"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common and natural to say "I have "ambivalent feelings" about this" or "I feel ambivalent about this". The first option emphasizes the emotional experience.

What's the difference between "ambivalent feelings" and "conflicting feelings"?

"Conflicting feelings" emphasizes the internal struggle between opposing emotions, while "ambivalent feelings" simply acknowledges the presence of these opposing emotions without necessarily highlighting the conflict. They're often used interchangeably, but "conflicting feelings" suggests a more intense internal battle.