ambivalent quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambivalent quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or trait that has mixed feelings or contradictory aspects. Example: "The ambivalent quality of her response left everyone in the room unsure of her true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is an ambivalent quality to Douglas's best-known characters and our response to them is ambivalent as well.

The Guardian - Film

And Jonathan Tunick's superb orchestrations bring out the yearning, ambivalent quality in the music that would suffuse so much of Mr. Sondheim's later work.

The New York Times

Additionally, because of the combination of transparency and quality aspects in the same question, the Philips guidelines produce ambivalent quality assessments.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"People have become ambivalent to the quality of dance that has evolved".

The Guardian

Entertainment Weekly Josh Tyrangiel said that the tracks "blend harmlessly together", but was ambivalent towards the quality of the songs produced after Usher's four-year hiatus.

Wikipedia

Still continuing on overlooked talent, interwar has been reading Palladian by Elizabeth Taylor - but is perhaps ambivalent about its qualities: Rather a strange work.

The Guardian - Books

(We're ambivalent about ambivalence).

The New York Times - Magazine

Elsewhere, the reviews last week were as interesting as ever - but several were also ambivalent and hesitating about the quality of the books.

The Guardian - Books

Opinions about the relationship between the volume of hours worked and the quality of patient care were ambivalent.

BMC Medical Education

Life is "doubt in action" for McElroy, and his fiction's unusual qualities are shaped by an ambivalent attitude toward thought as it takes its faltering steps from uncertainty to uncertainty.

The New York Times - Books

The most obviously unusual thing about Apple is that it's a technology company whose fortunes have been shaped by our ideas about taste a quality that Americans have always been ambivalent about.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambivalent quality", ensure the context clearly indicates what the conflicting aspects are that create the ambivalence. This provides a more nuanced understanding for the reader.

Common error

While "ambivalent quality" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Instead, consider using more specific terms that directly address the conflicting aspects of the quality, providing a clearer and more precise description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent quality" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "ambivalent" modifies the noun "quality". It suggests that the quality being described is not straightforward but possesses conflicting or mixed characteristics. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ambivalent quality" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon way to describe a quality with mixed or contradictory characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly usable. Its meaning conveys a nuanced assessment, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects. While alternatives like "mixed quality" or "uncertain quality" may sometimes be more appropriate, "ambivalent quality" offers a specific emphasis on the presence of conflicting elements. It is most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies the conflicting aspects to provide a comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mixed quality

Replaces "ambivalent" with a more straightforward term indicating a combination of positive and negative aspects.

Uncertain quality

Highlights the lack of clarity or definiteness in the quality.

Dubious quality

Suggests the quality is questionable or unreliable.

Questionable quality

Similar to "dubious quality", emphasizing doubt about the quality.

Contradictory quality

Focuses on the conflicting aspects present in the quality.

Inconsistent quality

Emphasizes the lack of uniformity or stability in the quality.

Variable quality

Indicates that the quality changes or fluctuates.

Equivocal quality

A more formal synonym for "ambivalent", suggesting a lack of decisiveness.

Two-sided quality

Highlights the presence of two contrasting aspects within the quality.

Compromised quality

Suggests the quality has been negatively affected or diminished due to conflicting factors.

FAQs

What does "ambivalent quality" mean?

The phrase "ambivalent quality" describes a characteristic or trait that evokes mixed feelings or contradictory reactions. It implies the presence of both positive and negative aspects, leading to uncertainty or indecisiveness in evaluation.

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

You can use "ambivalent quality" to describe something that has both good and bad aspects. For example: "The film's "ambivalent quality" made it difficult to determine whether it was truly a success or a failure."

What are some alternatives to "ambivalent quality"?

Alternatives to "ambivalent quality" include "mixed quality", "uncertain quality", or "contradictory quality". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "ambiguous quality" or "ambivalent quality"?

"Ambiguous quality" suggests that the quality is unclear or open to interpretation, while "ambivalent quality" indicates mixed feelings or contradictory aspects. Choose the term that best reflects the specific nature of the quality you are describing.