the general feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the general feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the overall sentiment or opinion of a group of people regarding a particular topic or situation. Example: "After the meeting, the general feeling among the team was one of optimism about the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the general feeling was upbeat.

The Guardian

The general feeling was that Nirvana had burnt out.

Independent

Still, the general feeling in the paddock was divided.

The New York Times - Sports

He said the general feeling was not one of fear, however, but defiance.

The New York Times

One market analyst, summarizing the general feeling, pronounced the results "a disaster".

The New Yorker

The general feeling was that most drugs were benign mood-elevators or creative spurs.

Independent

The general feeling was that my characterizations went beyond the pale of civilized discourse.

The New York Times - Arts

It was the eighties, so the general feeling was the more black tie the better.

The New Yorker

As the heat intensified, so did the general feeling of depression.

The New Yorker

Masser's initial comments, however, underscored the general feeling in State College that things could get worse.

The New York Times - Sports

"The general feeling is that the fans are being dissed," Marianne said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the general feeling", ensure the context provides enough information about who holds that feeling. Clarity prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "the general feeling" if there's significant disagreement or diverse opinions within a group. Instead, acknowledge differing viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the general feeling" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a collective sentiment or prevailing opinion within a group or community. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the general feeling" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a collective sentiment or opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts, and maintains a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure there is sufficient evidence to support the claim that the feeling is indeed widely shared. Alternatives such as "the prevailing sentiment" or "the overall impression" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remembering to avoid overgeneralization will ensure accuracy and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prevailing sentiment

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the feeling.

the common consensus

Highlights agreement and shared understanding.

the overall impression

Focuses on the cumulative effect leading to a specific feeling.

the popular belief

Indicates a widely accepted idea or notion.

the collective mood

Highlights the emotional atmosphere shared by a group.

the widespread notion

Implies a belief held by many people.

the public perception

Focuses on how something is viewed by the general public.

the dominant viewpoint

Suggests a perspective that is more influential than others.

the shared understanding

Emphasizes a mutual comprehension among individuals.

the atmosphere

Focuses on the emotional environment or ambiance.

FAQs

How can I use "the general feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "the general feeling" to describe the prevailing sentiment within a group, such as, "The general feeling after the presentation was optimistic."

What's a good alternative to "the general feeling"?

Alternatives include "the prevailing sentiment", "the overall impression", or "the common consensus" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the general feeling" in formal writing?

Yes, "the general feeling" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the context provides clear evidence or justification for the described sentiment. More formal alternatives might be considered for academic papers.

What are some common misconceptions about using "the general feeling"?

A common mistake is to assume a feeling is "general" without sufficient evidence. Ensure you accurately represent the sentiment of the group you're referring to.