sense of foreboding

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of foreboding" is a correct phrase in written English.
This phrase refers to a feeling of dread or apprehension about something that is going to happen in the future. It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe a feeling or emotion someone has. For example: "When we stepped into the dark room, I had an overwhelming sense of foreboding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There was a horrible sense of foreboding.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a powerful sense of foreboding.

The Guardian - Film

I have a sense of foreboding.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, there are groans, and a sense of foreboding.

The Economist

Mr. Burns left Cairo with a sense of foreboding.

The New York Times

She was haunted, too, by a sense of foreboding.

The New Yorker

We await the answer with a sense of foreboding.

The New York Times

But not everyone shared the same sense of foreboding.

The Guardian

Early on, Nunez sets up a strong sense of foreboding.

The New York Times - Books

Stevens left with a deep sense of foreboding.

The New York Times - Sports

Michael Ackerman's black-and-white photographs of Varanasi are charged with a sense of foreboding.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of foreboding" to effectively build suspense in narratives or to describe feelings of unease in anticipation of negative events.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of foreboding" to describe events that have already occurred. The phrase implies anticipation of future events, not reflection on past ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of foreboding" functions as a noun phrase that describes a feeling or intuition that something bad or unfortunate is about to happen. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to express apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of foreboding" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression referring to an anticipation of negative future events. Ludwig AI validates its frequent occurrence in diverse contexts, predominantly within news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, its primary function lies in conveying apprehension or creating suspense in narratives. When writing, remember to use it to describe anticipation, not reflection on past events, and to consider similar but subtly different alternatives like "feeling of impending doom" or "ominous feeling" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending dread

Focuses on the feeling of dread being close in time.

ominous feeling

This phrase describes a feeling that something bad is going to happen, with a hint of something sinister.

looming sense of danger

Highlights the potential threat and its proximity.

feeling of impending doom

This alternative suggests a stronger, more certain expectation of negative events.

presentiment of misfortune

Emphasizes a feeling that something bad is about to happen, often based on intuition.

premonition of disaster

This phrase implies a supernatural or intuitive warning about a future catastrophe.

creeping anxiety

Implies a gradual onset and increase of anxious feelings.

growing disquiet

This describes an increasing state of worry and disturbance.

uneasy feeling

This is a more general term indicating discomfort or anxiety without specifying an impending threat.

vague apprehension

Suggests a less defined and more subtle feeling of unease.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of foreboding" to describe a feeling of anxiety about something that is about to happen. For example: "There was a strong "sense of foreboding" before the storm hit."

What's the difference between "sense of foreboding" and "feeling of dread"?

"Sense of foreboding" implies an anticipation of something negative, while "feeling of dread" is a more intense, immediate fear or anxiety. Although the phrases are interchangeable in many situations, "feeling of dread" suggests a more imminent or overwhelming fear.

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

You can use alternatives like "feeling of impending doom", "premonition of disaster", or "ominous feeling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sense of foreboding" a formal or informal phrase?

"Sense of foreboding" is a relatively neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, literature, and everyday conversation.