sentimental streak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sentimental streak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency or inclination towards sentimentality in someone's character or behavior. Example: "Despite his tough exterior, he has a sentimental streak that surfaces during family gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The craggy, square-jawed heroes all turn out to have an incredibly sentimental streak.

Independent

Her offhand flair makes her new album, "Sentimental Streak," a delight.

The New Yorker

Mr. Lane's Dionysos turns out to have a strong sentimental streak.

The New York Times

He has always had a strong sentimental streak and an insatiable curiosity.

The New Yorker

His wife saw that sentimental streak on their first date, in September 1971.

The New York Times

Like me, she is efficient and no-nonsense, although she does have a sentimental streak about family and home.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Wei Ziqi is short and barrel-chested, and he rarely talks about the past; his few sentimental streaks run in other directions.

The New Yorker

This sentimental, bar-song-style streak seemed to engage Mr. Terfel most.

The New York Times - Arts

He plays himself as at once artless and knowing, cheerfully sentimental but with a mean streak when it comes to protecting his buddy.

The New Yorker

There was a streak of playfulness in emo, but it was the genre's spectacular sentimental indulgence that really got people on board.

The New Yorker

Especially sentimental.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sentimental streak" to subtly reveal a character's hidden emotional depth, especially when contrasting with their outward appearance or behavior. It's a nuanced way to add complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "sentimental streak" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or describing the character's actions directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sentimental streak" functions as a noun phrase, where "sentimental" modifies "streak". Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing, indicating a tendency towards sentimentality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sentimental streak" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's tendency toward sentimentality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it often reveals a hidden or unexpected emotional aspect, adding depth to character descriptions. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for a broad audience. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives like "emotional inclination" or "soft spot". By understanding its function and typical usage, you can effectively incorporate "sentimental streak" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tendency to be sentimental

Specifies a disposition or inclination towards sentimentality, highlighting the habitual nature of the emotion.

emotional inclination

Focuses on the emotional aspect, suggesting a natural leaning towards feeling and expressing emotions.

affectionate nature

Highlights the affectionate and caring side of someone's personality.

soft spot

Indicates a particular fondness or liking for something or someone.

emotional vulnerability

Emphasizes the susceptibility to emotional experiences and expressions.

romantic disposition

Suggests a tendency towards romantic ideals and expressions of love.

tenderness of heart

Highlights the gentle and compassionate nature of an individual.

capacity for sentimentality

Focuses on the ability to experience and express sentimental feelings.

nostalgic bent

Indicates a fondness for the past and a tendency to dwell on past experiences.

emotional side

A broad term indicating that someone is in touch with their feelings and expresses them.

FAQs

How can I use "sentimental streak" in a sentence?

You can use "sentimental streak" to describe a character or person who has a tendency to be sentimental, often unexpectedly. For example: "Despite his gruff exterior, he had a "sentimental streak" and teared up during the wedding vows."

What's a good alternative to "sentimental streak"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "emotional inclination", "affectionate nature", or "soft spot". These phrases convey a similar meaning while adding variety to your writing.

Is "sentimental streak" formal or informal?

"Sentimental streak" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

What does it mean to have a "sentimental streak"?

Having a "sentimental streak" means you have a tendency to be emotional and value personal feelings. It suggests a fondness for memories, traditions, and relationships, often leading to expressions of tenderness and nostalgia.