Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
actual feel
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "actual feel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the genuine or true sensation or experience of something, often in contrast to a perceived or expected feeling. Example: "The actual feel of the fabric was much softer than I had anticipated."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
She is entertaining on this but less confident in evoking the actual feel of the Arctic; its landscapes and skies, lights and darknesses, the stupendous silences and grandeur.
News & Media
Temperature experiences surveyed in terms of length and frequency of the warmest seasons, and the associated actual feel, indicated a majority of the respondents (> 80%) perceived an upward trend.
Science
The actual feel of the case is kinda nice…its got a sort of grippy-yet-smooth thing going for it (much like my preferred case, the $5 less Griffin Wave).
News & Media
The iPad mini itself is very slightly thicker and heavier than its predecessor to accommodate the Retina Display with the same battery life, adding 0.01 inches and 0.05 pounds to the specs of the original, but that makes minimal difference to the actual feel of the product in the hand.
News & Media
For some reason ditching the digital planners and embracing the actual feel of paper in my hands, just makes me so happy.
News & Media
(Yeah, that thing!) In essence, Fox's practice introduces prisoners to skills to become more sensitive to how they actual feel in their bodies in an effort to gain a close relationship with, as he puts it, your own sensitivity.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
A second way to link music's expressiveness with actual felt emotions is through the audience.
Science
Our actual felt experiences of reverential respect play a significant role in some of these explanatory accounts; what justifies accepting our experience of respect for humans (or other beings) as grounds for an obligation is its coherence with our other moral beliefs (Buss 1999, Margalit 1996, Gibbard 1990).
Science
BMW is doing something pretty sci-fi with the interior of its vehicles at CES – it's showing off a new HoloActive Touch system, which is a touch sensitive display for showing the driver information about music, navigation and more, which appears to float in air, and which also provides actual felt, tactile feedback in response to interactions.
News & Media
I'm about to predict today's media cycle: The passport story just got much less interesting, since it's no longer focused on just one candidate (now it's about security and process, and there's no longer the tantalizing possibility of a Watergate-ish conspiracy against Barack Obama), and also, for the first time in a few days, this is an actual feel-good story: Bill Richardson endorsed Obama.
News & Media
It requires that we tend closely to our actual felt experience.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "actual feel" when you want to emphasize the real or tangible nature of a sensation, especially when contrasting it with expectations or abstract ideas. For example, describe the "actual feel" of a fabric versus how it looks in a picture.
Common error
Avoid using "actual feel" redundantly when the context already implies a real sensation. Instead of "the actual actual feel", simply use "the actual feel" or, even better, rephrase for clarity and impact.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "actual feel" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a sensory experience that is genuine and tangible, contrasting with hypothetical or expected sensations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar, supporting its role in describing authentic physical experiences.
Frequent in
News & Media
62%
Science
23%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
7%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "actual feel" is a noun phrase used to describe a genuine sensory experience. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with some usage in scientific writing. When using the phrase, it's important to avoid redundancy, such as "actual actual feel", and to ensure that the context calls for emphasizing the tangible nature of the sensation. Alternative phrases like "real sensation" or "tangible sensation" can be used to express similar meanings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
real sensation
Focuses on the genuineness of the sensory experience.
genuine sensation
Highlights the authenticity of the feeling.
true sensation
Emphasizes the reality of the feeling, contrasting with imagined or expected sensations.
tangible sensation
Emphasizes the perceptible, touchable quality of the feeling.
palpable feeling
Indicates a feeling that is easily perceived or intense.
authentic sensation
Highlights the originality and lack of artificiality in the feeling.
physical sensation
Specifically refers to feelings experienced through the body.
concrete sensation
Stresses the real and substantial quality of the feeling.
precise feeling
Focuses on the exact or accurate nature of the sensation.
immediate sensation
Refers to a feeling experienced without delay or mediation.
FAQs
How can I use "actual feel" in a sentence?
You can use "actual feel" to describe a tangible sensation experienced, for instance: "The "actual feel" of the silk was smoother than I imagined."
What are some alternatives to "actual feel"?
Alternatives include "real sensation", "genuine sensation", or "tangible sensation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it redundant to say "the actual actual feel"?
Yes, using "actual" twice in this context is typically redundant. Just use "the "actual feel"" to refer to the genuine sensation.
How does "actual feel" differ from "perceived feel"?
"Actual feel" refers to the real, tangible sensation, while "perceived feel" involves an interpretation or impression of that sensation. The "actual feel" is objective; the perceived feel is subjective.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested