give us a sense of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give us a sense of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a feeling that something or someone may evoke in others. For example, "The music gives us a sense of hope and optimism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Give us a sense of where you think we're at.

The New Yorker

I think it will give us a sense of urgency.

The New York Times - Sports

Manet was largely a portrait painter, so he doesn't give us a sense of Paris directly.

The Guardian

Outside perspectives give us a sense of what we may have accomplished in the UK.

The Guardian

This episode is included in the book to give us a sense of perspective, and proportion.

The Guardian

If you could just give us a sense of how they can do that?

The New York Times

This, no doubt, was partly to give us a sense of the company's variety.

The New Yorker

"For average people, these families give us a sense of security.

The Guardian

We may not rationally comprehend them, but their rhythms give us a sense of direction and security.

The New York Times

They are interesting to read, if only because they give us a sense of the writer's process.

The Guardian - Books

It is a way to give us a sense of belonging, an understanding of ourselves and of our country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give us a sense of", ensure that the request is clear and specific to avoid ambiguous responses. For example, instead of asking "Give us a sense of the project," specify "Give us a sense of the project's timeline and budget."

Common error

While "give us a sense of" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider stronger verbs such as 'demonstrate', 'illustrate', or 'elucidate' to add sophistication and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give us a sense of" functions as a request for information or understanding, often seeking a general impression or overview rather than precise details. It prompts someone to provide a feeling or perspective on a topic, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give us a sense of" is a versatile phrase used to solicit an understanding, feeling, or impression about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for general use, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic settings. When employing this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the desired response is specific and avoids ambiguity. Remember to vary your language to prevent overuse and maintain a sophisticated tone. The phrase effectively bridges gaps in understanding by inviting speakers to share their perspectives and impressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Give us an idea of

Focuses on providing a general concept or notion rather than a specific feeling.

Convey the impression of

Highlights the act of transferring a certain image or idea.

Provide us with a feeling for

Emphasizes the emotional or intuitive understanding of something.

Paint a picture of

Uses figurative language to create a vivid understanding.

Offer us a perspective on

Highlights a particular viewpoint or angle on a topic.

Share your insights on

Emphasizes sharing expert knowledge and observations.

Describe the atmosphere of

Focuses on the prevailing mood or environmental conditions.

Explain the nature of

Emphasizes a detailed clarification.

Illustrate the character of

Highlights specific attributes and qualities.

Outline the key aspects of

Focuses on providing a summary of important elements.

FAQs

How can I use "give us a sense of" in a sentence?

You can use "give us a sense of" to request an overview, feeling, or impression about something. For instance, "Can you give us a sense of the challenges you faced during the project?"

What are some alternatives to "give us a sense of"?

Alternatives include "provide us with a feeling for", "offer us a perspective on", or "share your insights on" depending on the specific context.

Is "give us a sense of" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "give us a sense of" might be too informal for highly academic contexts. Consider alternatives such as "elucidate", "illustrate", or "provide an overview of" to maintain a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "give us a sense of" and "give us an idea of"?

"Give us a sense of" often implies a request for a general feeling or impression, while "give us an idea of" suggests a request for a more concrete understanding or concept. For example, "give us a sense of the atmosphere" versus "give us an idea of the budget".