an ominous feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ominous feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of foreboding or unease about a situation or event. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered, I couldn't shake the ominous feeling that something bad was about to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She has an ominous feeling about the future, she said.

The New York Times

Shot straight-on with deadpan objectivity, the image does have an ominous feeling.

The New York Times - Arts

Seeing them gives you an ominous feeling, even when you are not on the receiving end.

The New York Times - Tech

The onset of that familiar winter-like weather brings with it an ominous feeling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, Barcelona is still the defending champion, but an ominous feeling has settled over this European dynasty, and Tuesday's game is likely to define the Catalans' season.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeff Russo's work on Fargo expertly captures the stark loneliness of a North Dakota winter, but also crafts an ominous feeling by sparsely using of bells, silence and chamber music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A sadly ominous feeling descends, for instance, when Jarnow describes a January , 1967 conference on psychedelics at San Francisco State University, which brought together scientists, therapists, and assorted idealists.

The New Yorker

"It's a very ominous feeling," he added.

The New York Times

(The generals share an ominous look).

The New Yorker

The TV ads have an ominous tone.

The New York Times

If you listened carefully in the hills and canyons around the Hollywood Bowl on Friday evening, you could almost hear a simple ostinato built around two bass notes that evoked the ominous feeling of an imminent attack by a predatory shark.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ominous feeling" to create suspense or foreshadow negative events in your writing. It effectively conveys a sense of unease without explicitly stating what will happen.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "an ominous feeling". Vary your descriptions with more specific details about the environment, characters' reactions, or other sensory details to create a richer and more engaging atmosphere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ominous feeling" functions as a noun phrase, where "ominous" modifies the noun "feeling". Ludwig examples show it describing a subjective sense of foreboding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an ominous feeling" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a sense of foreboding or unease. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While not exceptionally common, its use is consistent. Alternatives such as "a sense of foreboding" or "a creeping dread" offer similar nuances. Remember to vary descriptions to create a richer atmosphere in writing. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is a valid and useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of foreboding

Focuses on the feeling that something bad is going to happen.

a premonition of disaster

Highlights the anticipation of a calamitous event.

a creeping dread

Emphasizes the gradual and unsettling nature of the fear.

a sense of impending doom

Stresses the feeling that something terrible is inevitable.

a dark premonition

Highlights the negative and intuitive nature of the feeling.

a presentiment of trouble

Emphasizes an intuitive feeling that difficulty or danger is near.

a heavy feeling of unease

Focuses on the discomfort and disquiet associated with the feeling.

a sense of disquiet

Highlights a feeling of anxiety or worry.

a bad vibe

A more informal way to describe a negative and intuitive feeling.

a foreboding atmosphere

Shifts the focus from the feeling itself to the environment creating it.

FAQs

How can I use "an ominous feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "an ominous feeling" to describe a sense of foreboding or unease about a situation or event. For example: "As the fog rolled in, she had "an ominous feeling" that they were being watched."

What can I say instead of "an ominous feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a sense of foreboding", "a premonition of disaster", or "a creeping dread" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an ominous feeling"?

Yes, "an ominous feeling" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a sense of foreboding or unease. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples.

What's the difference between "an ominous feeling" and "a foreboding feeling"?

While both phrases convey a sense of something bad about to happen, "ominous" suggests a more sinister or threatening presence, while "foreboding" simply implies that something unpleasant is likely. They are largely interchangeable, but "ominous" carries a slightly stronger negative connotation.