intuition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intuition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning. Example: "Her intuition told her that something was wrong, even though she couldn't explain why."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it does need to be said that Roger was, and is, one of journalism's forces of nature: a fount of talent, professionalism, intuition – and fun.

The Guardian

This was what Dodd calls her "unresolved sadness" and is perhaps a key to both her intensely private nature and also the miraculous intuition of her work, in which she finds people out with her seeing eye and her camera lens.

The Guardian - Arts

The singular significance of his book is that it proves "scientifically" that this intuition is correct.

The Guardian - Books

'But what about Judi Dench?' 'Ah, but she has that voice.'" And what Streep has, we agree on, is "exceptional intuition".

The Guardian

And then there's the way Needy figures out what's happened to Jennifer – by feminine intuition!

The Guardian - Film

But the Birthplace study, upon which the new Nice guidelines are based, says quite clearly that this intuition is supported by evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, every issue cannot be researched like that and "when push comes to shove, I vote on intuition".

The Guardian

"We don't have a smoking gun piece of evidence, so you just have to go by intuition," said Saitta.

The Guardian

Today, he and his partner of nine years, a sculptor, live in a house he built in the redwoods outside Palo Alto in California.Colleagues and former students stress his infectious enthusiasm, his notion of work as a shared quest, and his keen scientific intuition.

The Economist

The authors also devised a mechanism that enabled university laboratories to make prototype chips rapidly".Colleagues and former students stress his infectious enthusiasm, his notion of work as a shared quest, and his keen scientific intuition.

The Economist

But the sheer intuition that got Ben & Jerry's started may be too unreliable to create a succession of star sorbets and funky frozen yoghurts.Most of all, standing still is an open invitation to the company's competitors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intuition" when referring to immediate cognition or understanding that does not rely on conscious reasoning. It's particularly useful when describing a sense of knowing something without knowing why.

Common error

Avoid using "intuition" interchangeably with "impulse". While both involve quick, internal reactions, intuition is based on experience and pattern recognition, whereas impulse is often a sudden urge without thoughtful consideration.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "intuition" is as a noun. It refers to the ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning. Ludwig provides many examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "intuition" signifies immediate cognition without conscious rational processes. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. Related phrases include "hunch", "instinct", and "gut feeling". While "intuition" is a valuable cognitive tool, it should be distinguished from impulsive behavior and ideally be complemented by data-driven analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunch

Implies a feeling or belief based on instinct rather than concrete evidence, similar to a gut feeling.

instinct

Refers to an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in response to certain stimuli, closely related to intuition.

gut feeling

Describes an instinctive feeling or reaction, often implying a sense of certainty without conscious reasoning.

presentiment

Suggests a feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant; related to anticipating events intuitively.

premonition

Indicates a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something bad, aligning with intuitive anticipation.

inner voice

Represents an internal sense of guidance or wisdom, akin to relying on one's intuition.

sixth sense

Refers to an extrasensory perception or a keen intuitive ability beyond the five traditional senses.

insight

Involves a deep understanding of a person or thing, often gained intuitively.

clairvoyance

Suggests the ability to see events in the future or beyond normal sensory range, an extreme form of intuition.

perception

Describes the ability to understand or become aware of something through the senses, which can include intuitive understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "intuition" in a sentence?

You can use "intuition" to describe a feeling or understanding that you have without consciously reasoning. For example, "Her intuition told her that something was wrong."

What's the difference between "intuition" and "instinct"?

"Intuition" is often based on past experiences and learned patterns, whereas "instinct" is a more innate, hardwired response.

What can I say instead of "intuition"?

You can use alternatives like "hunch", "gut feeling", or "insight depending on the context".

Is it reliable to make decisions based on "intuition"?

While "intuition" can be a valuable tool, it's best used in conjunction with data and analysis, especially in critical situations. Over-reliance on "hunch" can lead to errors.