feel a twinge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel a twinge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a slight or brief feeling of discomfort, regret, or nostalgia about something. Example: "As she watched her old friends laughing together, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it would be hard for any feeling soul, even of the Old Left, not to feel a twinge of regret over how Michael Levy will be remembered.

The Guardian

I feel a twinge of revulsion.

The Guardian

To this day, I also feel a twinge of envy.

The Guardian - Books

You have to feel a twinge of sympathy.

The New York Times

Admit it, you feel a twinge of sympathy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So does he ever feel a twinge of envy?

The Guardian

It is easy to feel a twinge of regret.

The New York Times

I still feel a twinge of disappointment when I leave research dead-ends.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He has a point.It is hard not to feel a twinge of sympathy for Mr Romney.

The Economist

When Frank blows her to bits, you may feel a twinge of guilty pleasure.

The New York Times

But when I want to fully believe, I feel a twinge of skepticism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel a twinge of" when you want to express a mild or brief emotional response, such as a slight regret, sympathy, or nostalgia. It's appropriate for conveying subtle feelings without strong intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "feel a twinge of" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your prose sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "experience a pang of" or "have a hint of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel a twinge of" functions primarily as a verb phrase introducing a noun, typically an emotion or sensation, indicating a mild or brief experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It serves to soften or qualify the feeling, suggesting it is not overwhelming.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel a twinge of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for conveying a mild or brief emotional or physical sensation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and is generally considered neutral in register. When using this expression, be mindful of potential overuse and consider synonyms such as "experience a pang of" or "have a hint of" to enhance the variation and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a pang of

Replaces "feel a twinge of" with "experience a pang of", emphasizing a sudden, sharp feeling, often of regret or sadness.

have a hint of

Substitutes "feel a twinge of" with "have a hint of", suggesting a slight indication or suggestion of a feeling.

sense a slight feeling of

Replaces "feel a twinge of" with "sense a slight feeling of", highlighting the perception of a mild sensation.

have a touch of

Replaces "feel a twinge of" with "have a touch of", conveying a slight or mild experience of a feeling.

detect a trace of

Changes "feel a twinge of" to "detect a trace of", suggesting a subtle or barely noticeable feeling.

notice a faint sensation of

Substitutes "feel a twinge of" with "notice a faint sensation of", emphasizing the observation of a weak or delicate feeling.

register a fleeting moment of

Replaces "feel a twinge of" with "register a fleeting moment of", highlighting a short-lived experience of a feeling.

get a whiff of

Changes "feel a twinge of" to "get a whiff of", suggesting a brief and হালকা (light) exposure to a feeling.

perceive a shade of

Substitutes "feel a twinge of" with "perceive a shade of", emphasizing the subtle perception of a feeling, often with a specific quality.

undergo a brief sensation of

Changes "feel a twinge of" to "undergo a brief sensation of", suggesting a temporary experience of a feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel a twinge of" to express a mild emotional response. For example: "I "feel a twinge of" guilt when I don't recycle."

What can I say instead of "feel a twinge of"?

You can use alternatives like "experience a pang of", "have a hint of", or "sense a slight feeling of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "felt a twinge of"?

Yes, "felt a twinge of" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. For example: "She "felt a twinge of" sadness when she left her childhood home."

What's the difference between "feel a twinge of sympathy" and "feel sympathy"?

"Feel a twinge of sympathy" suggests a mild or brief feeling of sympathy, while "feel sympathy" implies a stronger and more sustained emotion.