feel a sort of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel a sort of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a vague or indistinct feeling or impression about something. Example: "I feel a sort of unease whenever I enter that old house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Meeting him nowadays, I do feel a sort of cutoff".

The New Yorker

But on the first night you could feel a sort of, 'Oh.

The New York Times

Ms. Raphael was starting to feel a sort of sublime exasperation.

The New York Times

Talking with Rob later, he told me he was just trying to feel a sort of near-death experience.

Independent

Even some younger people now feel a sort of nostalgia for times they didn't even live through themselves.

The Guardian - Books

And standing atop the snow-covered roof, or staring into one of the cavernous former assembly lines, a visitor did feel a sort of grandeur.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

She felt a sort of disdain for the Legislature.

The New York Times

"If anything I felt a sort of gratitude," she recalled.

The New York Times

He feels a sort of horror at his body.

The New Yorker

"I felt a sort of vocation," she says.

The Guardian

"I felt a sort of personal need to see what was possible," he says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "feel a sort of" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less precise than more specific alternatives.

Common error

Don't rely on "sort of" excessively in your writing. While it's useful for conveying vagueness, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant and lacking in confidence. If you find yourself frequently using "sort of", consider whether a more precise word or phrase might be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel a sort of" primarily functions as a verb phrase, expressing a subjective experience or sensation. Ludwig AI shows examples where it precedes nouns indicating emotions, physical states, or abstract concepts, such as "grandeur", "responsibility", or "kinship".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel a sort of" is a common phrase used to express an indefinite or vague feeling, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While suitable for general communication, more precise language may be preferred in formal or scientific writing. Consider alternatives such as ""experience a kind of"" or ""have a sense of"" for greater clarity. Avoid overuse to maintain writing strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a kind of

Replaces "feel" with "experience" and "sort of" with "kind of", offering a slightly more formal tone.

have a sense of

Shifts the focus from feeling to having a sense, implying a more intuitive understanding.

sense a certain

Uses "sense" as a verb, suggesting a subtle or almost imperceptible feeling.

detect a hint of

Implies a very slight or subtle feeling, making the sensation less pronounced.

perceive a trace of

Emphasizes the subtle and often difficult-to-discern nature of the feeling.

notice a degree of

Highlights the extent or level of the feeling, focusing on its intensity.

recognize a shade of

Suggests a subtle variation or nuance in the feeling, emphasizing its complexity.

observe a touch of

Indicates a slight or subtle presence of the feeling, making it less prominent.

find oneself feeling

Highlights the involuntary aspect of experiencing the sensation.

become aware of a

Focuses on the realization or recognition of the feeling, emphasizing its emergence into consciousness.

FAQs

How can I use "feel a sort of" in a sentence?

You can use "feel a sort of" to describe a vague or indistinct feeling. For example, "I "feel a sort of" unease whenever I walk down that street".

What are some alternatives to "feel a sort of"?

Alternatives include "experience a kind of", "have a sense of", or "sense a certain" feeling, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "feel a sort of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "feel a sort of" might be considered less precise for formal writing. Consider using more specific language to convey your feelings or perceptions.

What's the difference between "feel a sort of" and "feel a sense of"?

"Feel a sort of" suggests a vague or undefined feeling, while "feel a sense of" implies a more defined but still somewhat intuitive understanding or awareness.