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something doesn't feel right
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(4)

I have reservations about this

something seems off

I have a bad feeling about this

alarm bells are ringing

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Next time you have the gut feeling that something doesn't feel right, listen to it and honor it.

News & Media

Huffington Post

You know that feeling you get in your gut when something doesn't feel right?

News & Media

TechCrunch

We move on, but something doesn't feel right about it.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

If something doesn't feel right, go with it".

News & Media

The New York Times

Something doesn't feel right to her about this kind of play.

News & Media

The New York Times

Still, something doesn't feel right about our reliance on such tools to deal with the sensory overload.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Something doesn't feel right--do I need to go to the doctor?

News & Media

Huffington Post

Although such votes are not binding, they do force boards to justify compensation policies regularly and can be a useful channel for expressing displeasure if something does not feel right, as Shell has just discovered.

News & Media

The Economist

If something does not feel right about the situation, trust your gut.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"But something didn't feel right.

News & Media

The New York Times

This time something didn't feel right.

News & Media

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "something doesn't feel right", trust your intuition. It's often a signal that requires further investigation or caution.

Common error

Avoid dismissing the feeling simply because you can't immediately identify the source. Acknowledge the feeling and explore potential reasons rather than ignoring it.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something doesn't feel right" functions primarily as an expression of intuition or a subjective assessment of a situation. It indicates a sense of unease or suspicion, often without a clear or readily identifiable reason. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express a gut feeling or a warning sign.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

24%

Science

Less common in

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something doesn't feel right" is a common and acceptable way to express a sense of unease or suspicion. Ludwig's analysis shows it's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to communicate a gut feeling or a need for caution. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "something seems amiss" in professional settings. Ultimately, as evidenced by Ludwig, trusting your intuition when "something doesn't feel right" is a valuable practice.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something seems off

Replaces "feel" with "seems" and "right" with "off", indicating a deviation from the expected or normal state.

something seems amiss

Uses "amiss" instead of "right" to suggest that something is wrong or out of place.

my gut tells me something is wrong

Emphasizes the intuitive feeling that something is not right, using the phrase "my gut tells me".

I have a bad feeling about this

Expresses a premonition or sense of impending negative outcome.

I don't trust this situation

Focuses on a lack of trust in the circumstances, implying that something is not right.

I'm not comfortable with this

Highlights a personal discomfort or unease with a situation or decision.

my intuition is telling me no

Highlights the role of intuition, with the speaker indicating the present situation is wrong.

this raises a red flag

Uses the metaphor of a "red flag" to indicate a warning sign or reason for concern.

I sense something is off

Uses the verb "sense" emphasizing the speaker's perceptions.

alarm bells are ringing

Indicates a feeling of something wrong or alarming.

FAQs

How can I express the feeling that "something doesn't feel right" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, you could say "something seems amiss", "something appears questionable", or "the situation gives cause for concern".

Is it appropriate to use "something doesn't feel right" in professional communication?

While acceptable, consider the audience and context. In sensitive situations, phrases like "I have reservations about this" or "I'm not entirely comfortable with this" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "something doesn't feel right" and "something seems off"?

"Something doesn't feel right" usually refers to a personal, intuitive feeling. "Something seems off" can refer to a more objective observation that something deviates from the norm.

When should I act on the feeling that "something doesn't feel right"?

It's wise to act on this feeling whenever safety, ethical considerations, or important decisions are involved. Investigate further, seek advice, or reconsider your position if you experience this feeling.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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something doesn't feel rightGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

something doesn't feel right
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples