able to feel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to feel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the capacity to have or experience a sensation or emotion. For example, "She was so overwhelmed that she was unable to describe how she felt, but she was able to feel the full force of the emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In feeling better, you'll be able to feel better about yourself.

WikiHow

to be able to feel such confidence.

The Guardian - Books

You're being heartless, you are not able to feel pain.

The New York Times

I'm now able to feel more compassion towards myself.

Independent

"Deanna was able to feel special like her sister.

The New York Times

They are able to feel what the composer wants.

The New York Times

Is he still able to feel Hélène's presence?

The Guardian - Books

I'm not sure that I am able to feel embarrassment.

The Guardian - Music

I am able to feel pain, but I cannot cry.

The New York Times - Science

Then they were able to feel comfortable it.

The Guardian

Other things you'll be able to feel guilty about".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to feel" to clearly express someone's capacity to experience a physical sensation or an emotion. Ensure that the context provides clarity on what specific sensation or emotion is being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "able to feel" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where more nuanced language might be appropriate. Opt for alternatives that better capture the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to feel" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It expresses the capacity or ability to experience sensations or emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in expressing the capacity to have or experience a sensation or emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to feel" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the capacity to experience sensations or emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While it can be used in various registers, from neutral to slightly formal, it's crucial to ensure the surrounding context provides clarity. To enhance your writing, use it to clearly indicate physical or emotional perception, and avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively communicate whether someone is experiencing a particular sensation or emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of feeling

Emphasizes the inherent capability or potential to experience emotions or sensations.

in a position to feel

Highlights the circumstances or conditions that allow for feeling something.

allowed to experience

Focuses on permission or the opportunity to undergo a particular feeling or sensation.

sensitive to

Implies a responsiveness or awareness of external stimuli or internal states.

perceptive of

Suggests a keen ability to notice and understand subtle emotional cues or sensory details.

open to experiencing

Highlights a willingness or receptiveness to new or unfamiliar feelings or sensations.

susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or proneness to certain emotions or sensations, often negative ones.

empowered to feel

Emphasizes the agency and control over one's emotional experiences.

prepared to experience

Suggests a state of readiness or anticipation for a particular feeling or sensation.

given the opportunity to feel

Focuses on the external provision of a chance to experience something.

FAQs

How can I use "able to feel" in a sentence?

You can use "able to feel" to describe a physical sensation, as in, "After the surgery, she was finally "able to feel" her toes again." You can also use it to describe an emotional state, like, "Despite the loss, he was "able to feel" a sense of gratitude for the time they had together."

What is a synonym for "able to feel"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "capable of feeling", "sensitive to", or "perceptive of" as alternatives to "able to feel".

Is it better to say "able to feel" or "capable of feeling"?

Both "able to feel" and "capable of feeling" are correct and often interchangeable. "Able to feel" might imply a specific instance, while "capable of feeling" can suggest an inherent or general capacity.

Can "able to feel" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "able to feel" can be used in a negative context. For example, "Due to the medication, she was not "able to feel" any pain", indicating an absence of sensation.