sense of ambivalence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sense of ambivalence' is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when describing a person's feelings that are uncertain, mixed, or contradictory. For example, "John had a sense of ambivalence when deciding whether to take the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

That sense of ambivalence was evident around Pozarevac, 50 miles southeast of here.

The New York Times

But here his rising voice perfectly captures a sense of ambivalence and self-doubt.

The New Yorker

These young nationalists have no sense of ambivalence, no idea of life's ambiguities.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes I hear that people feel a sense of ambivalence about the fact that we've doubled our membership.

The Guardian

Yu barely looked out of his window as he said: "These young nationalists have no sense of ambivalence, no idea of life's ambiguities.

The New York Times - Magazine

The most devastating terrorist act in American history coincides with a deep sense of ambivalence about the United States throughout the Muslim world (and not only there).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

What's been holding me up is a sense of profound ambivalence about the whole undertaking.

The New York Times

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke tries to make sense of Americans' ambivalence about the state of the U.S. economy.

The New Yorker

I watched the news Sunday evening with a sense of uneasy ambivalence, turned off by the crowds of nineteen-year-olds at Ground Zero chanting "U-S-A!

The New Yorker

But the result, in Anne Carson's fine new translation, is much more than a snob hit: it's a production that combines a sombre aesthetic beauty with a sense of the ambivalence at the heart of Sophocles's play.

The Guardian

The darkness beneath the decadence would become a well-trodden theme in popular culture in the decades following this song, but few conveyed so well its signature sense of vacant ambivalence.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of ambivalence" to precisely convey mixed or conflicting feelings when a simpler term like "uncertainty" doesn't fully capture the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of ambivalence" in situations where simple uncertainty or doubt would suffice. The phrase is most effective when highlighting genuine conflict or contradiction in feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of ambivalence" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes a state of having mixed or contradictory feelings about something. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of ambivalence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe mixed or conflicting feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating that it is appropriate in various writing contexts. While it is a common phrase, writers should make sure to avoid overuse in scenarios where simpler terms like "uncertainty" or "doubt" are more fitting. Its nuanced meaning makes it particularly useful in news reporting, scientific discussions, and professional communication, as seen in examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When a more precise term is needed, alternatives include "mixed feelings" or "conflicting emotions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting emotions

Emphasizes the contradictory nature of the feelings involved.

mixed feelings

Highlights the coexistence of different emotions, without necessarily implying conflict or uncertainty.

internal conflict

Highlights the struggle within oneself caused by opposing feelings.

feeling of uncertainty

Focuses on the uncertain aspect of the emotional state, omitting the conflicting nature.

uncertainty and doubt

Combines two related concepts to express a wavering mental state.

state of indecision

Shifts the focus to the resulting inability to make a clear choice.

emotional dichotomy

Presents a more formal way to describe opposing emotions.

wavering feelings

Emphasizes the fluctuating nature of the emotions.

lack of clarity

Underlines the absence of a clear and defined feeling or opinion.

divided loyalties

Specifically relates to conflicting allegiances or commitments.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sense of ambivalence" in a sentence?

Use "sense of ambivalence" when you want to express mixed or conflicting feelings about something. For instance, "He felt a "sense of ambivalence" towards his job, appreciating the stability but disliking the routine".

What are some alternatives to "sense of ambivalence"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, consider using alternatives like "mixed feelings", "conflicting emotions", or "uncertainty and doubt".

Is it grammatically correct to say "sense of ambivalence"?

Yes, "sense of ambivalence" is grammatically correct. It is a common and accepted phrase used to describe a state of having mixed or contradictory feelings.

What's the difference between "sense of ambivalence" and "uncertainty"?

"Uncertainty" refers to a lack of sureness or clarity, while ""sense of ambivalence"" implies holding contradictory or conflicting feelings simultaneously, suggesting a more complex emotional state.