I feel maybe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I feel maybe" is not standard in written English and may come across as awkward or unclear.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or indecision about a feeling, but it is better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "I feel maybe we should reconsider our approach."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Sometimes I feel maybe I'm not supposed to write that story.

Harvard Business Review

I feel maybe I should kill myself to end it all".

The Guardian

But he tells me his uncle was killed in Gaza, and I feel maybe I was even involved.

The Washington Post

I feel maybe there is no longer a generation of maestros, at least not among the people I am working with.

The New York Times

"I feel, maybe wrongly, that Sharon is interested in keeping me in the government because he needs me.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sanchez, he said, is family: "If he goes, then I feel maybe one of my two hands is gone".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I felt maybe I had unreal expectations," he said.

The New York Times

I felt, maybe for the first time, confident.

The New York Times

Some mornings I felt maybe I was just lazy.

The Guardian

"I felt maybe he was a copycat at first.

The Guardian - Music

"Somehow I felt maybe you would come back," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and precision, replace "I feel maybe" with more specific expressions of uncertainty like "I suspect", "I think perhaps", or "My feeling is that".

Common error

Avoid using "I feel maybe" in formal writing, as it can sound hesitant and undermine your authority. Opt for more direct and confident language.

Linguistic Context

Modal expression of uncertainty. The phrase "I feel maybe" functions to introduce a statement or opinion with a degree of hesitation or tentativeness. As Ludwig AI points out, it can be rephrased for clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I feel maybe" is a common way to express uncertainty or a tentative feeling, often used in news and media contexts. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests rephrasing for clarity and precision, especially in formal writing. Alternatives like "I think perhaps" or "My feeling is that" can provide a more direct and confident tone. Although widespread, it is important to consider the context and choose the most suitable expression to convey the intended level of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My feeling is that

Directly states a personal feeling or belief.

I think perhaps

More formal and slightly more tentative than "I feel maybe".

I have a feeling that perhaps

Adds emphasis to the feeling and uncertainty.

I suspect that

Implies a degree of doubt or lack of concrete evidence.

I'm inclined to think

Suggests a leaning towards a particular opinion or belief.

I'm of the opinion that

A more formal way to express a belief or viewpoint.

I'm starting to think that

Indicates a change in opinion or a developing belief.

I tentatively believe

Highlights the uncertainty or hesitation in the belief.

It's my impression that

Expresses a subjective understanding or interpretation.

I get the sense that

Implies an intuitive understanding or feeling.

FAQs

What does "I feel maybe" mean?

The phrase "I feel maybe" indicates a feeling of uncertainty or tentativeness about something. It suggests that the speaker is not entirely sure about their feeling or opinion.

How can I use "I feel maybe" in a sentence?

You can use "I feel maybe" when expressing a hesitant thought or opinion, such as "I feel maybe we should reconsider" or "I feel maybe it's not the best idea".

What can I say instead of "I feel maybe"?

You can use alternatives like "I think perhaps", "I suspect", or "My feeling is" depending on the context.

Is "I feel maybe" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "I feel maybe" is considered somewhat informal and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use more precise language to convey your intended meaning.