a special feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotion or sentiment that is unique or significant in a particular context. Example: "When I saw her smile, I experienced a special feeling that I couldn't quite put into words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a special feeling".

The New York Times - Sports

It's such a special feeling.

The New York Times - Sports

It's just a special feeling.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a special feeling".

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a special feeling," Iverson said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a special feeling seeing it.

The New York Times

There's a special feeling about that.

The New York Times

The auditorium's rebirth had a special feeling.

The New York Times - Arts

Kook lacked, presumably, "a special feeling for Israel").

The New Yorker

At first, it had a special feeling to it.

The New York Times

"There was a special feeling on that set".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a special feeling" to describe experiences that evoke a unique or significant emotional response. This phrase is appropriate in both personal narratives and descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a special feeling" in predictable or overly sentimental situations. Strive for specificity by naming the emotion more directly (e.g., joy, awe, contentment) or providing vivid sensory details of why the feeling is special to add originality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special feeling" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a particular emotional state or sensation. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used to convey unique or significant emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a special feeling" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a unique or significant emotion or sensation. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to personal narratives. While versatile, it's important to use it thoughtfully, avoiding clichés and opting for more specific language when possible. Alternatives such as "a unique sensation" or "a particular emotion" offer nuanced ways to convey similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique sensation

Focuses on the distinct sensory experience rather than the emotional aspect.

a particular emotion

Emphasizes the specific emotional state experienced.

a distinct sentiment

Highlights the clear and noticeable emotional inclination.

a singular experience

Shifts the focus to the uniqueness of the overall experience.

an extraordinary emotion

Elevates the feeling to something beyond the ordinary.

a memorable sensation

Focuses on the sensation's ability to be easily remembered.

a cherished emotion

Indicates the feeling is highly valued and appreciated.

a treasured sentiment

Highlights the precious and valuable nature of the feeling.

a remarkable feeling

Emphasizes how unusual or noteworthy the feeling is.

a one-of-a-kind emotion

Stresses the unparalleled and irreplaceable aspect of the emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "a special feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "a special feeling" to describe a unique emotional experience, such as: "The birth of my child gave me "a special feeling" of overwhelming love."

What can I say instead of "a special feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique sensation", "a particular emotion", or "a distinct sentiment" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a special feeling" or describe the feeling directly?

While "a special feeling" is acceptable, describing the feeling directly (e.g., joy, peace, excitement) provides more clarity and impact. However, if the emotion is complex or hard to define, "a special feeling" can serve as a starting point.

What's the difference between "a special feeling" and "a good feeling"?

"A good feeling" generally implies a positive emotion. "A special feeling" suggests the emotion is not only positive, but also unique, significant, or particularly meaningful. So while you can replace the phrase with phrases that simply express positive emotion, if your feeling has nuance and uniqueness in the context you must use an alternative that includes a uniqueness connotation.