feel conflicted

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel conflicted" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
It is often used to describe a feeling of uncertainty or ambivalence in a person, often with regards to a certain decision. For example: "I feel conflicted about whether to take the job offer or not; it would give me increased security but I would have less freedom in my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then we feel conflicted.

The New York Times

Other parents feel conflicted.

The New York Times - Tech

"I feel conflicted every day.

The Guardian

"I feel conflicted about it," she said.

The New York Times

Many Syrians say they feel conflicted about their choices.

The New York Times

"I feel conflicted," said Alice Garber of Chappaqua.

The New York Times

But I feel conflicted offering advice that I myself would be unable to follow.

The New York Times - Magazine

I SOMETIMES wonder if I should feel conflicted about living in a rent-regulated apartment.

The Economist

Many of us feel conflicted about it, but we do it anyway.

The New York Times

But in the current debate, Democrats have reason to feel conflicted.

The New York Times

Ms. Liss says that when she stopped working 14 years ago, she didn't feel conflicted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing internal conflict, provide context to clarify the source of the conflicting feelings. Instead of just saying "I feel conflicted", explain "I feel conflicted about accepting this promotion because it would mean relocating my family."

Common error

Avoid using "feel conflicted" as a generic statement. Without specifics, it lacks impact and can sound vague. Always specify what you are conflicted about to provide clarity and depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel conflicted" functions as a verb phrase that describes a subjective emotional state. It is commonly used to indicate internal disagreement or ambivalence about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel conflicted" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express internal disagreement or ambivalence. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely accepted and utilized in various contexts. It's important to provide context when using the phrase to ensure clarity and impact. Related phrases like "have mixed feelings" or "experience inner conflict" can serve as alternatives. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media" and "Science", as well as on Wikis, and is generally considered to have a neutral register. It is best practice to follow the word with the details about what you are conflicted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel ambivalent

A simpler alternative, replacing the more complex "conflicted" with its root adjective.

have mixed feelings

Uses a more common idiom to express the presence of both positive and negative emotions.

struggle with ambivalence

Replaces "feel conflicted" with a more formal term "ambivalence", which refers to the state of having contradictory ideas or feelings.

experience inner conflict

Replaces "feel" with "experience" and "conflicted" with "inner conflict", emphasizing the internal struggle.

be of two minds

An idiomatic way of saying someone is undecided, suggesting a mental division.

be torn between options

Highlights the aspect of having to choose between different possibilities, causing the conflict.

feel uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and confidence in one's feelings or decisions.

find oneself in a dilemma

Focuses on the difficult situation of having to make a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.

have doubts

Highlights the presence of skepticism or reservations, which can lead to internal conflict.

feel uneasy

Suggests a sense of discomfort or anxiety related to the conflicting feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel conflicted" to express internal disagreement or ambivalence about a situation. For example, "I feel conflicted about taking the new job offer" or "She feels conflicted about moving to a new city".

What are some alternatives to saying "feel conflicted"?

You can use alternatives like "experience inner conflict", "have mixed feelings", or "be of two minds" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel conflicted"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "feel conflicted". The verb "feel" is used correctly with the adjective "conflicted" to describe a state of internal disagreement.

What's the difference between "feel conflicted" and "feel ambivalent"?

While both phrases express a sense of internal conflict, "feel ambivalent" often implies a stronger sense of uncertainty and indecision, whereas "feel conflicted" can also indicate a struggle between opposing desires or values.