ambivalent toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambivalent toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing mixed feelings or contradictory attitudes about a person, idea, or situation. Example: "She felt ambivalent toward the decision, torn between her loyalty to her friend and her sense of fairness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

All were vivid, unique singers, ambivalent toward fame yet too gifted to avoid flirting with it.

The New York Times - Books

The advent of the atomic bomb in 1945 left many Americans deeply ambivalent toward science.

The New York Times - Books

Later in the song, Mitski grows ambivalent toward her house guest.

The New Yorker

He feels ambivalent toward his wife, Hazel, whose steady, honest character bores him.

The New Yorker

After expending a recent month in constantly rereading Spinoza, I find myself ambivalent toward this grandest of Jewish secular philosophers.

The New York Times - Books

Clinton's likeliest rival, the Senate Majority Leader, Bob Dole, is also on record as being ambivalent toward the press.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"I think this is very serious because Mr. Karzai has always had a very ambivalent attitude toward the West and toward the war — he has never really believed violence is the answer," said Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, the British ambassador to Afghanistan from 2007 through 2009.

The New York Times

Another criterion that could be used to define the School is an essentially ambivalent attitude toward Western modernity (or toward modernization as Westernization).

SEP

Both, for example, have powerfully ambivalent attitudes toward authority.

The New York Times - Arts

Seeing the conflict as a rebellion implied an ambivalent policy toward civilians.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, June 13 , 1970 P. 30Story about young Englishman's ambivalent feelings toward his mother.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambivalent toward" to precisely convey mixed or conflicting feelings, ensuring the context clarifies the nature of the ambivalence. For example, specify whether it's about a person, idea, or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent toward" without specifying the object or concept to which the ambivalence applies. Ensure it's clear what the subject is feeling conflicted about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent toward" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of having mixed or conflicting feelings about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambivalent toward" is a commonly used phrase to describe mixed or conflicting feelings about a person, thing, or idea. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears across diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the ambivalence pertains to. Alternatives like "conflicted about" or "having mixed feelings about" offer simpler ways to convey a similar sentiment. The phrase is generally neutral in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having mixed feelings about

Directly states the presence of both positive and negative emotions.

conflicted about

Replaces "ambivalent toward" with a simpler term indicating internal conflict; implies a struggle between opposing feelings.

torn between

Highlights the sense of being pulled in different directions by conflicting desires or obligations.

uncertain of

Shifts focus to the lack of certainty rather than the presence of mixed feelings, emphasizing doubt.

of two minds about

Idiomatic expression indicating indecision or conflicting opinions.

undecided regarding

More formal alternative emphasizing the lack of a firm decision.

undetermined about

Indicates that a decision or opinion has not yet been reached.

wavering on

Suggests a back-and-forth movement in opinion, indicating instability.

equivocal about

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for ambivalent, suggesting a deliberate lack of clarity.

hesitant concerning

Focuses on the reluctance or unwillingness to fully embrace something.

FAQs

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

Use "ambivalent toward" to describe mixed or conflicting feelings about something. For example, "She was ambivalent toward the job offer, as it offered good pay but required long hours."

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

You can use alternatives like "conflicted about", "uncertain of", or "having mixed feelings about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "ambivalent toward"?

While generally correct, "ambivalent toward" can sound somewhat formal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "ambivalent toward" and "indifferent to"?

"Ambivalent toward" suggests mixed or conflicting feelings, while "indifferent to" implies a lack of interest or concern. Someone ambivalent experiences both positive and negative emotions, while someone indifferent doesn't care either way.