trust your instincts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'trust your instincts' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to advise someone to listen to their own gut feeling about a certain situation. Example sentence: "Sometimes it's hard to make the right decision, but trust your instincts - they will usually guide you in the right direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally, trust your instincts.

Independent

They said: "Trust your instincts".

Independent

You should trust your instincts.

The Guardian - Books

My motto is… Always trust your instincts.

Independent

You need to trust your instincts".

The Guardian - Music

It makes you trust your instincts more.

The Guardian - Film

Trust your instincts instead and you're bound to go wrong.

The New York Times - Books

"Also, never be afraid to trust your instincts," Neate says.

The Guardian - Money

He always gives good advice: mainly "trust your instincts".

The Guardian - Money

Just remember, trust your instincts.

Forbes

You've got to trust your instincts".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before making an important decision, consider both rational analysis and your gut feeling. If your intuition strongly contradicts your logical conclusion, investigate further before committing.

Common error

Don't disregard persistent feelings of unease or suspicion, even if you can't logically explain them. Dismissing these intuitive warnings can lead to negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

"Trust your instincts" functions primarily as an imperative phrase, urging someone to rely on their intuition or gut feeling. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trust your instincts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that encourages reliance on one's intuition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While it's important to heed your inner voice, balancing it with rational analysis and expert advice is crucial, especially in high-stakes situations. Related phrases include "follow your gut feeling" and "listen to your intuition", offering alternative ways to express this concept. Remember, while intuition is valuable, it's not infallible; consider all factors before making a decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow your gut feeling

This alternative emphasizes the visceral, emotional aspect of intuition.

listen to your intuition

Focuses on the act of paying attention to one's inner voice.

rely on your intuition

Highlights the dependence on intuitive understanding.

go with your gut

A more informal and direct way of saying to trust your initial feeling.

use your inner wisdom

Emphasizes the inherent knowledge one possesses.

heed your inner voice

Suggests paying attention to internal guidance.

act on your hunch

Focuses on acting based on a feeling that something is true or likely.

depend on your sixth sense

Implies using a sense beyond the five physical senses.

believe in your gut feeling

Highlights the importance of having faith in one's intuition.

have faith in your intuition

Emphasizes the importance of believing in one's intuitive abilities.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "trust your instincts"?

Start by paying attention to your gut feelings in low-stakes situations and reflecting on the outcomes. Over time, you'll develop a better understanding of your intuition and its reliability. Practice mindfulness and reduce external noise to better hear your inner voice.

Is it always a good idea to "trust your instincts"?

While intuition can be valuable, it's not infallible. In situations requiring precise calculations or specialized knowledge, rely more on data and expert advice. Use your instincts as a complement to, not a replacement for, rational analysis.

What does it mean to "go with your gut" /s/go+with+your+gut versus "trust your instincts"?

The phrases are very similar. "Trust your instincts" may imply a slightly more considered reflection, while "go with your gut" emphasizes immediate, visceral feelings. Both suggest acting on intuition rather than pure logic.

When should I question whether to "trust your instincts"?

Question your instincts when you're under extreme stress, feeling emotional, or lack relevant experience. In these cases, seek input from trusted advisors or experts to balance your intuition with objective perspectives.