this feels wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this feels wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of discomfort or unease about a situation or decision. Example: "As I reviewed the contract, I couldn't shake the feeling that this feels wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This feels wrong.

Independent

To me, this feels wrong.

The Guardian - Travel

In an age of mass participatory politics, this feels wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

I know this feels wrong to Americans in so many ways.

The Guardian

(Despite the title, this feels wrong for Rose, who looks as if she were born in flats).

The New Yorker

This feels wrong: we imagine that when leisure time finally arrives, we'll enjoy being spontaneous; planning how to relax seems like a contradiction in terms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This felt wrong, all wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This felt wrong, such a public place.

The Guardian

"But on the other hand this felt wrong, because I must love my family and they couldn't be bad".

The New Yorker

Maybe because I'm not in that age range anymore, or maybe because I'm a sensitive liberal media baby but this felt wrong.

Forbes

This felt wrong, but I went ahead and did just that.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this feels wrong", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the situation, action, or decision that evokes the feeling of wrongness.

Common error

Avoid using "this feels wrong" as a standalone statement without explaining why. Always provide specific reasons or details to support your feeling, making your statement more persuasive and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this feels wrong" functions as an expression of subjective assessment or intuition. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct, and it serves to convey a personal sense of discomfort or unease about a particular situation or action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this feels wrong" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a subjective feeling of unease or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while it's more common in neutral and informal contexts, it can also appear in news and media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "something doesn't feel right" or "this doesn't sit well with me" for nuanced expression. Remember to support your feeling with reasons to enhance persuasiveness. The phrase appears in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, demonstrating its acceptability in diverse writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something doesn't feel right

Emphasizes the intuitive sense that something is off, focusing on a general feeling rather than a specific assessment.

this feels off

Offers a more informal and general way to express that something seems wrong or strange.

this doesn't sit well with me

Indicates a personal discomfort or moral objection to something, suggesting a lack of agreement with a situation or action.

my gut tells me this is wrong

Highlights the instinctive nature of the feeling, attributing it to intuition or a gut feeling.

this seems inappropriate

Focuses on the lack of suitability or appropriateness of something in a given context.

this is not quite right

Expresses a milder sense of something being off, suggesting a minor deviation from what is expected or correct.

this raises concerns

Indicates that something is causing worry or doubt, highlighting the potential negative consequences.

I have reservations about this

Expresses doubts or hesitations about something, suggesting a lack of full agreement or support.

this is unsettling

Highlights the disturbing or disquieting nature of something, suggesting that it is causing anxiety or unease.

this gives me pause

Indicates that something is causing one to stop and reconsider, suggesting a need for further reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "this feels wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "this feels wrong" to express a sense of unease or discomfort about a situation. For example, "Although the offer seems generous, "this feels wrong" because the terms are unclear."

What are some alternatives to "this feels wrong"?

Alternatives include "something doesn't feel right", "this doesn't sit well with me", or "this seems inappropriate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this feels wrong" in formal writing?

While "this feels wrong" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and objective language, such as "I have concerns about this" or "this raises ethical questions".

What's the difference between "this feels wrong" and "this seems wrong"?

"This feels wrong" emphasizes an emotional or intuitive sense of something being incorrect, while "this seems wrong" suggests a more rational or logical assessment. The former is based on feeling, and the latter is based on observation or reasoning.