sense something is wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense something is wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express an intuition or feeling that there is an issue or problem present, even if it is not immediately obvious. Example: "As I walked into the room, I could sense something was wrong; the atmosphere felt tense and uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some parents sense something is wrong but may believe a child should do what he or she is told — "ting hua," or "be obedient" — and that should solve the situation.

The New York Times

RED FLAG! "Red Flags" mean danger...if you sense something is wrong, it might very well be wrong.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Mrs. Miller was the first to sense something was wrong.

The New York Times

Their conversation was getting heavier in tone; I could sense something was wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

"In my grandparents' day, they'd have to look up in the sky, sense something was wrong in their bones and bring in the chickens based on instinct.

The New York Times

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Vice

But Sandi says she began to sense something was wrong after William made a trip back East to see a woman he had met while doing presidential-protection duty at Camp David.

Vice

Mary senses something is wrong with the friendship.

The New Yorker

But the near-toothless old man whose job is to supervise proceedings senses something is wrong.

Independent

But, after a half-year long saga over whether he would sign his latest one-year rolling contract and reports of a rift with chairman Norman Smurthwaite, Adams senses something is wrong at Vale Park.

BBC

Sensing something is wrong, she confronts him and eventually ends up on a cliff, where Hurley is about to jump.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense something is wrong" to convey an intuitive feeling or suspicion, especially when there's no clear evidence of a problem. This phrase effectively communicates a gut feeling or instinct.

Common error

While "sense something is wrong" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "feel that something is amiss" or "detect that something is off" to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense something is wrong" functions as a verb phrase expressing an intuitive feeling or perception. It highlights a subjective awareness of a problem without necessarily having concrete evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense something is wrong" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey an intuitive feeling or suspicion that something is amiss. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a useful phrase for describing a gut feeling or instinct. While widely applicable, varying your language with alternatives like "feel that something is amiss" or "detect that something is off" can enhance your writing. This phrase is primarily used in News & Media and Wiki contexts, reflecting its neutral register and broad appeal. With a strong expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is both reliable and effective for communicating unease or suspicion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel that something is amiss

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to express a similar feeling of unease or suspicion.

detect something is off

This option is more informal and suggests a slight deviation from the norm that raises suspicion.

intuit that something isn't right

This alternative emphasizes intuition as the basis for the feeling that something is wrong.

have a feeling that something is wrong

This is a more verbose but equally common way of expressing the same sentiment.

suspect something is not as it seems

This alternative highlights the element of suspicion and hidden issues.

get the impression that something is wrong

Focuses on the impression received rather than a strong conviction.

pick up on a sense of unease

This phrase emphasizes the subtle and intuitive nature of detecting a problem.

perceive that something is amiss

A slightly more formal way to indicate noticing something is not right.

discern that something is not quite right

Implies a careful and insightful observation leading to the realization of a problem.

have a hunch that something is wrong

Indicates a strong intuitive feeling without concrete evidence.

FAQs

What does "sense something is wrong" mean?

It means to have an intuitive feeling or suspicion that there is a problem or issue, even if it is not immediately obvious.

How to use "sense something is wrong" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a feeling about a situation or person. For example, "As I walked into the room, I could "sense something is wrong"; the atmosphere felt tense and uneasy."

What can I say instead of "sense something is wrong"?

You can use alternatives like "feel that something is amiss", "detect something is off", or "intuit that something isn't right" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "sense that something is wrong"?

Yes, both "sense something is wrong" and "sense that something is wrong" are grammatically correct. The inclusion of "that" is optional but does not change the meaning.