sort of feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a vague or uncertain emotion or impression about something. Example: "I have this sort of feeling that something good is about to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think I like either a whitewashed Shabby Chic feel or a British colonial, India Hicks-Hibiscus Hill sort of feeling".

The New York Times

Just a blah sort of feeling.

The New York Times

It's that sort of feeling".

The Guardian - Sport

He was sort of feeling his way.

The New York Times

It's a life-affirming, health-enhancing sort of feeling.

Independent

"That's the sort of feeling that you want.

Independent

"When I was leaving yesterday night I had a sort of feeling," nurse Tsotie says.

The Guardian

"In a way, living in a hotel has that same sort of feeling," Ms. Bartsch said.

The New York Times

"When you go out there, you don't really have any sort of feeling.

The New York Times - Sports

I had a different sort of feeling when I sang it last night.

The New York Times

'It was a very mild cocaine sort of feeling, an amphetamine speedy thing,' she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of feeling" to describe an emotion or impression that is not fully formed or clearly defined. It's ideal for expressing a vague or inchoate sense.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid using "sort of feeling" in formal or academic papers. Opt for more precise language to convey your emotions or impressions with greater clarity and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of feeling" primarily functions as a qualifier to describe a vague or indistinct emotion or sensation. Ludwig shows that it's frequently used to express an uncertain or incomplete sense of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of feeling" is a common phrase used to express a vague or indistinct emotion or sensation. Ludwig confirms that its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more precise language may be preferable in formal settings. Alternatives such as "general impression" or "vague sensation" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Understanding the appropriate contexts for using "sort of feeling" ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague sensation

Focuses on the physical or sensory aspect of the feeling, implying a lack of clarity.

indistinct emotion

Highlights the unclear or undefined nature of the emotion being experienced.

general impression

Shifts the focus from a specific emotion to a more overall sense or perception.

sense of unease

Specifies a particular type of feeling, suggesting discomfort or anxiety.

gut feeling

Emphasizes an intuitive, instinctive feeling that is not necessarily based on reason.

lingering sentiment

Suggests a feeling that persists over time, often subtly influencing one's mood or thoughts.

fleeting impression

Highlights the brief and transient nature of the feeling, quickly fading from awareness.

subtle undercurrent

Implies a hidden or underlying feeling that may not be immediately apparent.

certain intuition

Focuses on the intuitive nature, suggesting a strong feeling, though it can’t be explained.

presentiment

Highlights a feeling that something, often negative, is about to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "sort of feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of feeling" to express a vague emotion or impression, like in the sentence "I had a "sort of feeling" that something was wrong".

What are some alternatives to "sort of feeling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "general impression", "vague sensation", or "gut feeling".

Is it always appropriate to use "sort of feeling" in writing?

While generally acceptable, "sort of feeling" may not be suitable for formal writing. In such cases, choose more precise and descriptive language to convey your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "sort of feeling" and "kind of feeling"?

The phrases "sort of feeling" and "kind of feeling" are largely interchangeable and carry similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.