felt a thrill

USAGE SUMMARY

'felt a thrill' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express an emotion of excitement or pleasure. For example, "When she heard the news, she felt a thrill of excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I felt a thrill whenever I saw him," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

But I felt a thrill in my loins, as if I had to pee.

The New Yorker

During the primaries in 2008, Matthews said that, when Obama spoke, "I felt a thrill going up my leg".

The New Yorker

Mr. Giuliani's first inauguration was her introductory event, and when she heard him say, "What can be done, will be done," she felt a thrill of recognition.

The New York Times

"When the fighting broke out on 18 July," Orwell wrote in Homage to Catalonia, "it is probable that every anti-fascist in Europe felt a thrill of hope".

The Guardian - Books

For this degree of closeness, we need books, where we might learn, for example, that Madame Bovary "felt a thrill go through her as she tasted the coldness" of iced champagne in her mouth.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I felt a thrilling, teeth-clenching chill.

The New York Times

On that day, like many Iraqis, especially Shiites, he risked his life to vote and felt a thrilling surge of excitement about his country's future.

The New York Times

The students had just learned the technical term for a heart murmur that a physician can feel: a "thrill".

The New York Times - Health

I feel a thrill when my son falls asleep in my arms.

The Guardian

In my better moments, I feel a thrill when he grunts to announce he's awake.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "felt a thrill" to express a sudden, positive emotion or sensation, particularly when encountering something exciting or stimulating.

Common error

Avoid using "felt a thrill" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly emotive. Consider more neutral alternatives like "experienced excitement" or "recognized potential" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "felt a thrill" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, and the examples show it typically describes a sudden emotion of excitement or pleasure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "felt a thrill" effectively conveys a moment of excitement or pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples predominantly come from news and media, indicating a neutral register. While the phrase is usable, consider context; alternatives such as "experienced a surge of excitement" may be suitable for more formal writing. Remember, the selection of the precise language should align with the writing's goal and audience. The frequency is uncommon, as revealed by Ludwig's analysis, so using it sparingly can increase its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experienced a surge of excitement

Replaces "felt" with "experienced" and specifies the emotion as "excitement", adding intensity with the word "surge".

had a rush of adrenaline

Focuses on the physiological aspect of excitement, using "adrenaline" to convey a more intense sensation.

experienced a wave of excitement

Focuses on the feeling building and washing over someone like a wave.

sensed a jolt of pleasure

Replaces "thrill" with "pleasure" and uses "jolt" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling.

enjoyed a moment of exhilaration

Highlights the pleasurable and uplifting aspect of the experience, focusing on a specific moment.

was overcome with elation

Implies a strong and consuming feeling of happiness and triumph.

detected a flicker of excitement

Indicates a brief and subtle experience of excitement, using "flicker" to suggest transience.

perceived a spark of joy

Conveys a sense of joy that is just beginning, suggesting a gentle, nascent feeling.

was seized by a sudden delight

Suggests an overwhelming and unexpected feeling of happiness.

had a tingle of anticipation

Uses 'tingle' to indicate a light, anticipatory thrill.

FAQs

How can I use "felt a thrill" in a sentence?

You can use "felt a thrill" to describe a moment of excitement or pleasure. For example, "She "felt a thrill" when she received the acceptance letter."

What are some alternatives to "felt a thrill"?

Alternatives include "experienced a surge of excitement", "had a rush of adrenaline", or "sensed a jolt of pleasure". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "felt a thrill" too informal for professional writing?

While grammatically sound, "felt a thrill" might be too emotive for some professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "experienced a sense of accomplishment" or "recognized the potential" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "felt a thrill" and "felt a chill"?

"Felt a thrill" describes a positive, exciting sensation, while "felt a chill" describes a feeling of coldness or fear. They are opposite in emotional valence.