distinct feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific or clear emotion or sensation that is easily identifiable. Example: "As she walked through the old house, she had a distinct feeling of nostalgia wash over her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, why do I get the distinct feeling that he feels like we're slumming it.

Huffington Post

"I get a distinct feeling among Aboriginal people that they feel that compensation is an absolute possibility, notwithstanding the prime minister's very vehement statement about not considering it".

The New York Times

— James Wood When I think of my three children it is not only their distinctive faces that appear before me but also the quite distinct feeling they radiate.

The New Yorker

For smokers, there is a distinct feeling that the walls are closing in.

The New York Times

I got the distinct feeling that was added for humorous effect ….

The Guardian

I have the distinct feeling of being the victim of some sort of hoax.

The New Yorker

"In the Philippines, you got the distinct feeling it was 'Yankee Go Home' time," she said.

The New York Times

I had a distinct feeling that I should take it with me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now, Jeter said, there is still a distinct feeling to Yankee Stadium, especially at night.

The New York Times - Sports

(If you're a TV-technology geek and you're getting a distinct feeling of déjà vu, congratulations.

The New York Times - Tech

Yet you get the distinct feeling that musically his heart still lies in Cuba.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinct feeling" to convey a clear and easily identifiable emotion or sensation. It's particularly effective when describing an intuition or a subjective experience.

Common error

While "distinct feeling" is widely accepted, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise vocabulary to articulate complex emotions or abstract concepts. Alternatives like "profound understanding" or "acute awareness" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct feeling" functions as a subjective descriptor, highlighting a clear and identifiable emotion or sensation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinct feeling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a clear and easily identifiable emotion or sensation. As highlighted by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news and media contexts and conveys personal experiences or intuitions. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise vocabulary. It's a valuable phrase to have in your writing toolkit, offering a concise way to express subjective experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong sense

Emphasizes the intensity of the feeling.

clear impression

Focuses on the clarity and vividness of the mental image or understanding.

unmistakable sensation

Highlights the certainty and lack of ambiguity in the feeling.

definite sense

Similar to 'strong sense', but slightly less intense.

palpable feeling

Suggests the feeling is so strong it can almost be touched or physically sensed.

noticeable sentiment

Highlights the awareness of feeling.

particular emotion

Focuses on naming the precise emotion one is experiencing.

specific impression

Highlights the exact character of something.

unequivocal emotion

Emphasizes the clarity of emotion being experienced.

evident sensation

Focuses on how something is perceivable.

FAQs

How can I use "distinct feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "distinct feeling" to describe a particular emotion or sensation that is easily noticeable or identifiable. For example: "I had a distinct feeling that something was wrong."

What phrases are similar to "distinct feeling"?

Similar phrases include "strong sense", "clear impression", or "unmistakable sensation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "distinct feeling" formal or informal?

"Distinct feeling" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from more precise vocabulary.

What's the difference between "distinct feeling" and "vague feeling"?

"Distinct feeling" implies a clear and easily identifiable sensation, while "vague feeling" suggests an unclear or undefined emotion. They are near opposites in meaning.