ambivalent towards

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've been feeling a bit ambivalent towards courgettes of late.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The locals seem quite ambivalent towards the students.

The Guardian

This is where he turned to God after being ambivalent towards religion as a child.

Independent

Both were ambivalent towards capitalism, and both ramped up public employment.

The Economist

She has always questioned authority, and continues to be ambivalent towards Westminster politics.

The Guardian

Most of the LDP's factions are at best ambivalent towards his ambitions.

The Economist

ANZ is building a bigger presence in Asia, having been ambivalent towards the region for years.

The Economist

Like many adults, I'm ambivalent towards Dahl; like most children, mine weren't.

The Guardian - Books

Small wonder if they feel ambivalent towards Pakistan.The tribal areas were also a second home for foreign militants.

The Economist

A young man, Pierre, begins to visit her too and Desmond, ambivalent towards the Boss, helps them fool him.

The New Yorker

Regime actors are also ambivalent towards BEVs, leading to limited regime action with for example car companies moving more to Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles instead of BEVs.

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ambivalent towards" when you want to express a genuine mix of positive and negative feelings, or when you are genuinely undecided. Avoid using it when you simply dislike something, as it implies a more complex emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "ambivalent towards" as a softer way to express simple dislike. Ambivalence implies a genuine mix of positive and negative feelings. If you clearly dislike something, use stronger, more direct language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambivalent towards" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something. Ludwig AI indicates this is a proper and usable phrase. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing attitudes towards various subjects, from food to political figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambivalent towards" is a versatile phrase used to express mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts. It's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring a genuine mix of emotions, rather than as a substitute for simple dislike. Its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources highlights its accessibility, while alternative phrases like "conflicted about" or "undecided regarding" offer nuanced alternatives. Ultimately, understanding the subtle distinctions and using "ambivalent towards" correctly will enhance your writing's precision and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having mixed feelings about

Expands the expression to explicitly state the presence of "mixed feelings".

equivocal about

Employs a more formal synonym for "ambivalent", suggesting a less clear stance.

conflicted about

Replaces "ambivalent" with a more direct synonym, suggesting internal conflict.

of two minds about

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the divided opinion.

undecided regarding

Focuses on the lack of a firm decision, rather than the emotional conflict.

on the fence regarding

Uses an idiomatic expression indicating a neutral or undecided position.

unsure about

Simple and direct, highlighting the lack of certainty.

uncertain of

Highlights the lack of certainty in one's feelings.

hesitant about

Emphasizes the reluctance or unwillingness to fully commit.

wavering in opinion on

Suggests an instability or fluctuation in one's viewpoint.

FAQs

How to use "ambivalent towards" in a sentence?

You can use "ambivalent towards" to describe mixed or conflicting feelings about something. For example, "I am ambivalent towards the new policy, as I see both its advantages and disadvantages."

What can I say instead of "ambivalent towards"?

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

Is it better to say "ambivalent towards" or "ambivalent about"?

Both "ambivalent towards" and "ambivalent about" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice often comes down to personal preference, although "ambivalent towards" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "ambivalent towards" and "indifferent towards"?

"Ambivalent towards" implies having mixed feelings, both positive and negative, while "indifferent towards" suggests a lack of interest or concern. Ambivalence involves conflicting emotions, whereas indifference involves a lack of emotion.