sense of distrust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of distrust" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when talking about someone who is feeling suspicious of another person or group due to past experiences, or when referring to a feeling of uneasiness that exists between two people or groups. For example: "The long-standing rift between the two families created a sense of distrust between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Amarkhel added: "It also shows a deep sense of distrust between two onetime allies.

The New York Times

A sense of distrust has crept in that can never be extinguished.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When something like this happens," Haah says, "emotion flares up and a sense of distrust develops".

The Guardian

Another reason, I realized later, was a vague, underlying sense of distrust.

The New York Times - Health

Compounding the unease was an evident sense of distrust between crew members and the cruise line operating the ship.

The New York Times

But its lack of consistency breeds a sense of distrust in players, and with that the fun fades.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In recent years, anti-terror legislation, coupled with a multi-fold increase in stop-and-search rates, hundreds of false raids and detentions, control orders that are based on flimsy evidence and inconsistent judicial sentences have created a sense of suspicion, fear, intimidation, distrust and possibly even hatred throughout society.

The Guardian - Opinion

The resulting sense of mutual distrust and betrayal was something neither man ever got over.

The New Yorker

More recently, the invasion of Iraq, and its aftermath, aroused a sense of bitterness, distrust and resentment.

The Guardian

But those who know him best presume the Dodgers leaving must have inspired some sense of corporate distrust.

The Guardian - Sport

"Now I'm starting to feel like there's a sense of general distrust among the public toward this slate of officials".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about institutional relationships, use "sense of distrust" to highlight systemic issues rather than individual failings. For example, 'A "sense of distrust" grew between the community and the police department.'

Common error

Avoid using "sense of distrust" to describe minor disagreements or temporary doubts in personal relationships. Opt for alternatives like "feeling of unease" or "momentary hesitation" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of distrust" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for written English and represents a state of unease or skepticism. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of distrust" is a versatile and widely used phrase that effectively communicates a feeling of skepticism or lack of confidence. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, science and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "feeling of mistrust" or "air of suspicion" can be used, "sense of distrust" maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone suitable for analytical discussions. When using this phrase, focus on systemic or institutional issues rather than applying it loosely to personal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistrust

A direct synonym, less nuanced than "sense of distrust".

feeling of mistrust

Focuses more on the emotional experience of mistrust.

suspicion

A shorter, more direct term for distrust.

air of suspicion

Suggests a pervasive atmosphere rather than an individual feeling.

lack of confidence

Emphasizes the absence of trust or reliance.

climate of uncertainty

Highlights the unpredictable nature of a situation that breeds distrust.

skepticism

Highlights a questioning attitude and doubt.

unease

Suggests a feeling of discomfort and apprehension related to a lack of trust.

apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of negative outcomes due to a lack of trust.

cynicism

Implies a general belief that people are motivated by self-interest.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of distrust" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of distrust" to describe a general feeling of unease or skepticism towards someone or something. For example, "A "sense of distrust" arose after the company's misleading statements."

What can I say instead of "sense of distrust"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of mistrust", "air of suspicion", or "lack of confidence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sense of distrust" in formal writing?

Yes, "sense of distrust" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing systemic issues or institutional relationships. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise and nuanced alternative if necessary.

What's the difference between "sense of distrust" and "sense of suspicion"?

"Sense of distrust" implies a general feeling of unease or skepticism, while "sense of suspicion" suggests a belief that someone may be involved in wrongdoing or is not being truthful.