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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this doesn't feel right
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
something seems amiss
something feels off
something seems wrong
I have a bad feeling about this
something doesn't seem right
this isn't right
this is incorrect
this is unfair
this is wrong
erroneous
something is wrong
this shouldn't exist
this should not be
this is unacceptable
this is inappropriate
this is not permissible
this is regrettable
this cannot be allowed
this needs to change
it's not right
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
24 human-written examples
I was like this doesn't feel right.
News & Media
This doesn't feel right to me.
News & Media
"There will always be men and woman who say this doesn't feel right; I got a hunch," Mr. Cataneo said.
News & Media
On Sept. 2, according to the second panel, "Copperfield comes by campaign headquarters," but "something about this doesn't feel right".
News & Media
The post quoted Mr. Cataneo as saying, "There will always be men and woman who say this doesn't feel right.
News & Media
Both times they had all the right answers to the questions, amazing backgrounds, really strong résumés, but my gut just said, hmm, this doesn't feel right.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
36 human-written examples
Special circuits containing spindle cells appear to broadcast messages -- this feels right, this does not feel right -- to the rest of the brain.
News & Media
We all have a conscience that says, somewhere deep inside us, this does not feel right.
Wiki
Previously - Why I Love My Meds.
News & Media
This didn't feel right, but I'd never had a baby before.
News & Media
"But that's how we met!" This didn't feel right.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "this doesn't feel right" to express a subjective sense of unease or suspicion when objective evidence is lacking. It's a useful phrase when you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong, but you know something isn't as it should be.
Common error
Avoid using "this doesn't feel right" as the sole justification for decisions, especially in professional settings. Always seek to substantiate your feelings with objective data or reasoned analysis to support your perspective.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this doesn't feel right" functions as an expression of subjective unease or suspicion. It conveys a sense that something is wrong, even if it can't be articulated with concrete evidence. Ludwig examples show its common usage in expressing discomfort with a situation.
Frequent in
News & Media
79%
Wiki
8%
Science
5%
Less common in
Academia
2%
Formal & Business
2%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this doesn't feel right" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a subjective sense of unease or suspicion. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from diverse sources, including news outlets and online guides, confirms its widespread usage. While useful for expressing discomfort, it should not replace objective analysis, particularly in professional settings. Consider alternatives like "something seems amiss" for a more formal tone. Ludwig AI flagged the sentences as following standard grammar rules.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
something feels off
Uses a more informal term ("off") to describe the feeling of something being wrong.
something doesn't seem right
Replaces "feel" with "seem", focusing on appearance rather than sensation.
I have a bad feeling about this
Shifts the focus to a personal premonition or intuition.
my gut tells me something is wrong
Emphasizes intuition and instinct as the source of the feeling.
I'm not comfortable with this
Expresses a lack of ease or security with a situation.
this makes me uneasy
Focuses on the feeling of anxiety or disquiet caused by the situation.
this raises a red flag
Implies a warning signal or cause for concern.
I sense something amiss
Uses more formal language to express a feeling that something is wrong.
this gives me pause
Suggests the situation causes one to hesitate or reconsider.
I'm having second thoughts about this
Expresses doubt or regret about a decision or situation.
FAQs
What does it mean when something "doesn't feel right"?
When something "doesn't feel right", it means you have a sense that something is wrong or off, even if you can't explain why. It's often based on intuition or a gut feeling.
How can I express "this doesn't feel right" more formally?
For a more formal tone, consider saying "something seems amiss" or "I have reservations about this".
When is it appropriate to say "this doesn't feel right"?
It's appropriate to say "this doesn't feel right" when you experience a sense of unease or suspicion, particularly when objective evidence is lacking. It can be a starting point for further investigation or discussion.
What are some other ways to say "this doesn't feel right"?
Alternatives include "something feels off", "something seems wrong", or "I have a bad feeling about this".
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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
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested