conflicted feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conflicted feelings" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when someone is experiencing two or more emotions or thoughts that are in conflict with each other. For example: "I have conflicted feelings about my job promotion. On one hand, I'm excited for the opportunity and career advancement, but on the other hand, I will miss my current coworkers and the routine of my current position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Winning trumps conflicted feelings.

The New York Times - Sports

Other residents expressed similarly conflicted feelings.

The New York Times

Other Staten Islanders have similarly conflicted feelings.

The New York Times

He had conflicted feelings about rap and rappers.

The New York Times

Angelenos tend to have conflicted feelings about earthquakes: a combination of sang-froid and deep terror.

The New York Times

Czechs' conflicted feelings toward Mr. Havel can be difficult for foreigners to grasp.

The New York Times

Like most parents of teenagers at Carroll Academy, Summer's father has conflicted feelings about the school.

The New York Times - Sports

The Lumbees' conflicted feelings about their lack of tribal recognition from government officials -- Where's the proof?

The New York Times - Books

Native Americans gathered at Standing Rock are approaching this Thanksgiving with deeply conflicted feelings.

The Guardian

Buddy has conflicted feelings about his father, who used to beat his mother (she is now dead).

The New Yorker

What they do less well is catch the complicated, ever-evolving and often conflicted feelings within individual voters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conflicted feelings" to accurately describe situations where someone experiences opposing emotions or thoughts. For instance, when facing a decision with both positive and negative consequences, or when evaluating someone with both admirable and questionable traits.

Common error

Avoid using "conflicted feelings" when the situation only involves simple ambivalence or uncertainty. "Conflicted feelings" implies a stronger, more active tension between opposing emotions, whereas ambivalence may simply mean a lack of strong feeling in either direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conflicted feelings" functions as a noun phrase, where "conflicted" acts as an adjective modifying "feelings". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples demonstrate its use in describing a state of internal emotional conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conflicted feelings" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the presence of opposing emotions or sentiments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and understandable phrase. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though most commonly found in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a genuine internal conflict, rather than mere uncertainty. Consider alternatives like "mixed emotions" or "ambivalent sentiments" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mixed emotions

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

ambivalent sentiments

Suggests uncertainty or indecisiveness stemming from opposing feelings.

competing feelings

Highlights the sense of feelings vying for dominance.

torn between

Highlights the struggle between two opposing choices or feelings.

contrasting emotions

Emphasizes the opposition or difference between the feelings experienced.

divided loyalties

Specifically refers to conflicting allegiances or commitments.

uncertain emotions

Implies a lack of clarity or understanding about one's feelings.

duality of emotion

Highlights two coexisting yet opposing emotions.

internal conflict

Broader term referring to a struggle within oneself, which may or may not be emotional.

emotional dichotomy

More formal, refers to a division into two opposing emotional categories.

FAQs

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

You can use "conflicted feelings" to describe a state of emotional ambivalence. For example: "I have "conflicted feelings" about accepting the job offer because it requires relocating."

What phrases are similar to "conflicted feelings"?

Alternatives include "mixed emotions", "ambivalent sentiments", or "divided loyalties", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "conflicted feelings" and "confused feelings"?

"Conflicted feelings" implies opposing emotions, while "confused feelings" suggests a lack of clarity. You might have conflicted feelings about a friend who betrayed you, but confused feelings about a complex plot twist in a movie.

Is it always negative to have conflicted feelings?

Not necessarily. Experiencing "conflicted feelings" can be a sign of nuanced understanding and thoughtful consideration. It acknowledges the complexity of a situation, rather than simply seeing it in black and white.