mixed feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

"mixed feelings" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you have conflicting thoughts or emotions about something, such as when a friend moves to another city, leaving you with a mixture of sadness and happiness. For example, "I had mixed feelings when my friend left; I was glad for her opportunity, but I was really going to miss her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mixed feelings.

The Guardian - Music

I have mixed feelings.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I had mixed feelings.

The New York Times

"There are mixed feelings.

The New York Times - Sports

"Tiring, exhausting, mixed feelings.

The New Yorker

Such mixed feelings.

The New York Times

There were mixed feelings.

The New York Times

Yet mixed feelings remain.

The New York Times

"I've got mixed feelings.

The New York Times

You have mixed feelings.

The New York Times - Sports

She has mixed feelings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "mixed feelings", be specific about the emotions involved. For instance, instead of saying "I had mixed feelings about the job offer", try "I felt excited about the opportunity but also anxious about the increased responsibility."

Common error

Avoid stating you have "mixed feelings" without clarifying what caused them. Vague statements can leave your audience confused. Always provide context to explain the blend of emotions you're experiencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mixed feelings" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of experiencing contradictory or diverse emotions simultaneously. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples include: "I have really mixed feelings" and "There were mixed feelings".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mixed feelings" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe experiencing contradictory emotions simultaneously. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves the purpose of conveying ambivalence in a neutral register. For more impactful communication, aim to specify the precise emotions involved rather than broadly stating you have "mixed feelings". Alternatives such as "ambivalent emotions" or "conflicting emotions" can be used based on context. By being mindful of its use and context, writers can effectively and accurately convey their emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambivalent emotions

Replaces "feelings" with "emotions" and "mixed" with "ambivalent", suggesting a state of uncertainty or indecisiveness.

conflicting emotions

Uses "conflicting" to specifically denote opposition among the feelings.

conflicted sentiments

Emphasizes the internal conflict between different emotions using "conflicted" instead of "mixed" and "sentiments" instead of "feelings".

contrasting feelings

Highlights the opposition between different emotions.

divided emotions

Highlights the separation of emotions, as if pulled in different directions.

a combination of emotions

Focuses on the coexistence of various emotions rather than the conflict, using a more descriptive phrase.

a blend of sensations

Uses "blend" to describe how different sensations combine and interact, replacing "feelings" with "sensations".

a dichotomy of emotions

Highlights the opposing nature of the feelings involved. The dichotomy emphasizes how these different sentiments pull.

both positive and negative emotions

Directly states the presence of contrasting emotions, removing the ambiguity of "mixed".

a state of emotional complexity

Shifts the focus to the overall state of emotional intricacy, suggesting deeper psychological engagement.

FAQs

How can I express "mixed feelings" in a sentence?

You can structure your sentence to show both sides of the emotion, such as "I felt excitement and apprehension – I had "mixed feelings" about the move".

What are some alternatives to saying "mixed feelings"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "ambivalent emotions", "conflicting emotions", or "divided emotions".

Is it always appropriate to say "mixed feelings", or are there situations where it's best to be more specific?

While "mixed feelings" is generally acceptable, being more specific can provide clarity and depth. For example, instead of saying "I had mixed feelings", try "I was both relieved and saddened by the news".

How do "mixed feelings" differ from simple happiness or sadness?

"Mixed feelings" involve experiencing two or more contradictory emotions simultaneously, whereas happiness or sadness are singular, more straightforward emotional states. When you have "mixed feelings", it means you're not purely happy or purely sad; you're navigating a blend of emotions.