firm feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or confident emotion or belief about something. Example: "She had a firm feeling that she would succeed in her new job, despite the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some people love that firm feeling, while other people want a softer shoe," he says.

The Washington Post

"There are legitimate conflicts between the firm feeling like it is performing well and the public's prevailing view that the Street was bailed out," said one senior JPMorgan executive who was not authorized to speak for the company.

The New York Times

Two years after his release, he speaks softly and calmly; he has the unlined skin and thick hair of a man younger than his 40 years; he has just remarried and has, for the first time in his life, a firm feeling that his home is on the clifftops of East Sussex.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So, are white shoe firms feeling the impact of this mindset change?

Harvard Business Review

But he conceded that attitudes may be shifting, with firms feeling that it makes sense to at least listen to parents.

The Guardian

Those efforts should help alleviate the pressure on securities firms feeling squeezed by the mortgage assets they cannot sell, the three write.

The New York Times

The Fed's efforts should help alleviate the pressure on securities firms feeling squeezed by the mortgage assets they cannot sell, the three write.

The New York Times

So it ought to be a cosy oligopoly, with the dominant firms feeling no need to compete vigorously.However, Hertz's boss, Mark Frissora, does not see it that way.

The Economist

In 2001 and beyond -- with most Wall Street firms feeling the pressure from a slowdown in trading and new stock offerings -- the survivors are expected to concentrate more on honing their strengths than on bulking up through the sort of acquisitions that transfixed Wall Street this year.

The New York Times

In November, when Muddy Waters turned its guns on Chinese advertising seller Focus Media, the stock plunged 66% at one point due to short-selling, leaving Chinese overseas-listed firms feeling bruised and battered, and wondering which of them could be in the cross-hairs next.

Forbes

Ultimately, the index finger and thumb must both feel firm without feeling tense.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "firm feeling" when you want to express a strong sense or belief that is not necessarily based on concrete evidence but feels subjectively certain. For example, "I have a firm feeling that this project will succeed."

Common error

Avoid using "firm feeling" to describe fleeting or unsubstantiated hunches. This phrase implies a degree of conviction, so reserve it for situations where you genuinely possess a strong, albeit subjective, sense of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm feeling" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a subjective state of strong belief or conviction. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "firm feeling" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express a strong, often intuitive, belief or conviction. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. Although relatively infrequent, the phrase appears mainly in news and media contexts. When writing, reserve "firm feeling" for situations where you genuinely possess a strong subjective sense, not for fleeting impressions. For alternatives, consider phrases like "strong conviction" or "solid belief", which offer similar meanings with varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong conviction

Replaces "feeling" with a more assertive term, emphasizing belief.

solid belief

Focuses on the certainty of the belief rather than the emotional aspect.

unshakable certainty

Highlights the unwavering nature of the feeling or belief.

deep-seated conviction

Emphasizes the ingrained nature of the belief.

strong sense

A more general term, suitable when the feeling isn't necessarily a belief.

clear impression

Implies a distinct and vivid feeling or understanding.

definite opinion

Highlights a decided and resolute perspective.

assured understanding

Focuses on the confidence in comprehension.

confident expectation

Conveys a positive anticipation based on a strong feeling.

certain knowledge

Suggests a level of sureness beyond just a feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "firm feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "firm feeling" to express a strong belief or conviction about something. For example, "She had a firm feeling that she would get the job."

What can I say instead of "firm feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "strong conviction", "solid belief", or "unshakable certainty" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "firm feeling" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "firm feeling" might be perceived as less formal than alternatives like "deep-seated conviction" or "assured understanding". Consider your audience and the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "firm feeling" and "strong opinion"?

"Firm feeling" implies a belief based on intuition or subjective sense, while "strong opinion" suggests a viewpoint based on reasoning or evidence. A "firm feeling" is often more personal and less easily justified than a "strong opinion".