feel torn

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel torn" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to feel conflicted or unsure about something. Here is an example: "I feel torn between pursuing my dream job in a big city and staying close to my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

After seeing the movie twice — that's a full five hours of immersion in a strife-torn 19th-century France — I still feel torn.

The New York Times

They might feel torn.

The Washington Post

I feel torn apart.

The Guardian

"I feel torn a little bit.

The New York Times - Tech

"I feel torn," she added.

The New York Times

Many people are likely to feel torn.

The Guardian - Books

Many people feel torn on big economic questions.

Independent

But they clearly feel torn between the two groups.

The New York Times

In trying to answer this charge, Democrats feel torn.

The New York Times - Health

I still feel torn at times between my loyalty and my love for each of them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it comes to learning about the results of research on survivors, many patients feel torn.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel torn" when you want to express a sense of inner conflict or indecision between two or more options or emotions. For example, "I "feel torn" between accepting the new job and staying with my current company".

Common error

Avoid using "feel torn" when the choice is not truly difficult or when there are more than two significantly compelling options. "I feel pulled in many directions" might be more appropriate if you have more than two options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel torn" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, describing a state of being or a feeling of inner conflict or indecision. It's commonly used to express emotional distress when faced with difficult choices, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel torn" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates internal conflict and indecision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business settings. While "feel torn" is typically used to express emotional struggle, remember to use alternatives like "feel conflicted" or "be of two minds" when the nuances of your situation require a more precise expression. Also, avoid misusing this phrase for situations where there are more than two options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel conflicted

Emphasizes the presence of opposing feelings or ideas.

feel pulled in two directions

Emphasizes the feeling of being pulled by opposing forces.

feel ambivalent

Highlights the simultaneous existence of positive and negative feelings.

be of two minds

Suggests an inability to decide between two options.

feel uncertain

Focuses on the lack of clarity or conviction.

feel indecisive

Highlights the difficulty in making a decision.

struggle with conflicting emotions

Highlights the emotional difficulty of being torn.

be in a dilemma

Implies a difficult situation with challenging choices.

feel in a quandary

Highlights the feeling of perplexity or uncertainty.

feel divided

Emphasizes the separation of feelings or loyalties.

FAQs

How to use "feel torn" in a sentence?

You can use "feel torn" to express inner conflict or indecision. For example: "I feel torn between my loyalty to my family and my desire to live abroad."

What can I say instead of "feel torn"?

You can use alternatives like "feel conflicted", "feel ambivalent", or "be of two minds" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "feel torn" or "feeling torn"?

"Feel torn" and "feeling torn" are both correct, but they're used in different contexts. "Feel torn" typically describes a state of being, while "feeling torn" describes a current emotion or action. For example, "I feel torn about the decision" vs. "I'm feeling torn about the decision right now".

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

While both express inner struggle, "feel torn" emphasizes the pulling in different directions, while "feel conflicted" highlights the presence of opposing ideas or emotions.