vague sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an unclear or indistinct feeling or understanding about something. Example: "I have a vague sense that something is not right, but I can't pinpoint what it is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A vague sense of disquiet began to steal over me.

The New Yorker

Flanagan, 36, had a vague sense of the history.

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise one is left with a vague sense of connivance.

The Guardian - Arts

Where spices came from was known in a vague sense centuries before the voyages of Columbus.

Yale University

The page is intended only to give a rough, vague sense of the course.

Stanford University

"I had a vague sense that it might me tell me something about America," he said.

The New York Times - Books

He had a vague sense that art appreciation involved bowls of fruit and flowers.

The New Yorker

You start to drive again, with a vague sense of trepidation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jianguo hadn't changed, I remember thinking with a vague sense of foreboding.

The New Yorker

Brown has a vague sense that there was a meltdown with a TV star.

The New York Times

Instead, we end up with a vague sense that he is, you know, good.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague sense", ensure that the surrounding context provides sufficient information to clarify what the sense relates to, even if the feeling itself is not well-defined. For instance, "I have a vague sense of unease about the upcoming meeting" provides context that is more useful than just saying "I have a vague sense".

Common error

Avoid relying on "vague sense" as a crutch when you could be more specific. Instead of stating "I had a vague sense of something," challenge yourself to identify and articulate the specific elements contributing to that feeling, even if they are subtle or uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague sense" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe an indistinct or unclear feeling or perception. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague sense" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes an indistinct or unclear feeling or perception. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. While versatile, it's important to provide sufficient context to clarify the subject of the "vague sense". Alternatives like "unclear feeling" or "indistinct impression" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. Avoiding overuse without supporting details will enhance clarity in writing. Therefore, when employing "vague sense", remember to contextualize it effectively for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear feeling

Focuses on the emotional aspect, emphasizing the lack of clarity in the feeling itself.

indistinct impression

Highlights the lack of clear definition in the mental image or understanding formed.

nebulous idea

Emphasizes the haziness and lack of concrete form of the idea.

fuzzy notion

Suggests a lack of sharpness and precision in the understanding.

hazy perception

Highlights the obscured and unclear nature of the perception.

general awareness

Indicates a broad, non-specific understanding of something.

tenuous grasp

Implies a weak or uncertain understanding of a concept or situation.

fleeting intuition

Focuses on the transient and unsubstantiated nature of the feeling.

obscure inkling

Highlights the hidden and difficult-to-discern nature of the hint or suggestion.

shadowy understanding

Emphasizes the incomplete and ill-defined nature of the comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "vague sense" in a sentence?

You can use "vague sense" to describe an unclear feeling or impression about something. For example, "I had a "vague sense" that something was wrong" or "She had a "vague sense" of having met him before".

What are some alternatives to "vague sense"?

Alternatives to "vague sense" include "unclear feeling", "indistinct impression", or "nebulous idea", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "vague sense" or "general idea"?

"Vague sense" refers to a feeling or perception, while "general idea" refers to a concept or understanding. Use "vague sense" when describing a feeling, and "general idea" when describing an understanding. For instance, you might have a "vague sense" of danger, but a "general idea" of the plot.

What does it mean to have a "vague sense" of something?

Having a "vague sense" of something means you have an unclear or indistinct feeling or impression about it. It suggests a lack of clarity or precision in your perception or understanding. For example, you might have a "vague sense" that someone is lying, without having concrete proof.