flicker of unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of unease" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a sudden and brief feeling of discomfort or worry that someone may experience. An example sentence using this phrase could be: "As she walked down the dark alley, a flicker of unease washed over her, causing her to quicken her pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There's a flicker of unease in the reader here — and it's a good and interesting flicker.

The New York Times - Books

Kerrigan's camera is in Keane's haunted face for almost every minute of the movie's running time, searching out every flicker of unease and tortured hope.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

His eyes, however, flicker with the unease of a man who realises that he is barely getting away with it; who suspects that the world does not see him as he sees himself.

The Guardian - Film

Still there were some signals of unease.

The New York Times

Each addresses a different kind of unease.

The New York Times - Books

But a certain amount of unease remains.

The New York Times

There are also national signs of unease.

The New York Times

But there were other notes of unease.

The New York Times

Most speak of unease with his newness.

The New York Times

Ung's sense of unease was widespread.

The New Yorker

Already, there have been signs of unease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flicker of unease" to subtly portray a character's or subject's initial reaction to something unsettling, rather than a full-blown panic. It's effective for creating suspense or foreshadowing.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of unease" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions of subtle emotional states with synonyms like "hint of anxiety" or "trace of discomfort" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of unease" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subtle and transient feeling. It highlights a momentary sensation of discomfort or anxiety, as seen in Ludwig's examples from news and literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of unease" describes a brief, mild feeling of discomfort or anxiety. As Ludwig examples show, it's used effectively in news and literary contexts to subtly convey a character's or subject's emotional state. While grammatically correct and understandable, it's relatively rare. According to Ludwig AI, this noun phrase serves to add nuance and create atmosphere by suggesting a transient moment of apprehension. When employing this phrase, writers should aim for impactful subtlety and not overuse it, so alternatives like "hint of anxiety" or "slight disquiet" should be considered for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

momentary disquiet

Focuses on the very short duration of the feeling of unease.

passing unease

Highlights the temporary nature of the feeling.

fleeting anxiety

Emphasizes the brevity of the anxious feeling.

slight disquiet

Indicates a mild disturbance of peace or calmness.

tinge of anxiety

Highlights a subtle coloring of anxiety affecting the situation.

hint of anxiety

Suggests a less pronounced feeling of unease, focusing on the anxiety aspect.

shadow of apprehension

Implies a looming sense of dread or worry, slightly stronger than simple unease.

trace of discomfort

Emphasizes the physical or emotional discomfort aspect, rather than a deeper anxiety.

whisper of worry

Focuses on the quiet, underlying sense of worry.

small tremor of fear

Emphasizes the fear component of the unease, portraying it as a shaking sensation.

FAQs

How can I use "flicker of unease" in a sentence?

You can use "flicker of unease" to describe a brief, subtle feeling of discomfort or anxiety. For example: "As she entered the old house, a "flicker of unease" washed over her."

What are some alternatives to "flicker of unease"?

Alternatives include "hint of anxiety", "trace of discomfort", or "slight disquiet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flicker of unease" a formal or informal expression?

"Flicker of unease" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in descriptive writing, such as news articles and literary works.

What does "flicker of unease" imply about the intensity of the feeling?

The word "flicker" suggests that the feeling is brief and not overwhelming. It indicates a mild, passing sensation of unease, rather than intense fear or panic.