by feel

USAGE SUMMARY

"by feel" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is done or perceived based on intuition or physical sensation rather than logic or sight. Example: The piano player closed her eyes and played the familiar melody by feel, letting her fingers move instinctively over the keys.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The amount of flour can be adjusted by feel if you know what you're feeling for.

WikiHow

I go by feel.

The New York Times

We live by feel.

The New Yorker

Maneuver strictly by feel and by sound.

The New Yorker

Martin worked by theory, Denniz by feel.

The New Yorker

Mr. Field does the measuring by feel.

The New York Times

"I just do it by feel".

The New York Times - Sports

Pastry makers go by feel.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This inflatable "Christmas tree" erected in Paris is making passers-by feel a little uncomfortable.

Independent

It is common knowledge among field experienced soil scientists that soil texture can be well estimated in the field manually with so called "texture-by-feel".

Geoderma

Is he never depressed by feel-good movies?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by feel" when you want to emphasize that something is done based on intuition, experience, or physical sensation rather than precise measurements or calculations. For example: "She adjusted the seasoning of the soup by feel, adding a pinch of salt until it tasted right."

Common error

Avoid using "feeling" when you mean "by feel". "Feeling" refers to an emotion, while "by feel" refers to a method of perception or action. For example, instead of saying "I did it by feeling", say "I did it by feel".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by feel" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that the action is guided by tactile sensation, intuition, or experience, rather than precise measurements or visual cues. As indicated by Ludwig, it is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by feel" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed based on intuition, experience, or physical sensation rather than precise measurements. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it may not be suitable for highly formal writing, its neutral register makes it appropriate for general communication. Remember to use "by feel" when you want to emphasize subjectivity and reliance on personal judgment, and avoid confusing it with the emotion "feeling". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "by feel" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by instinct

Highlights innate knowledge, removing tactile sensation from the expression.

intuitively

Emphasizes acting on instinct rather than conscious reasoning, removing the explicit mention of physical sensation.

instinctively

Highlights the role of innate impulses, omitting the tactile aspect.

based on intuition

Focuses solely on intuitive understanding, with no reference to physical sensation.

using one's gut

Emphasizes a visceral, instinctual decision-making process.

through experience

Highlights learned knowledge, removing tactile sensation from the expression.

empirically

Emphasizes relying on practical experience rather than theory. Shifts the focus from tactile to experiential.

without looking

Focuses on the absence of sight rather than the presence of touch.

blindly

Implies acting without sight or knowledge, which can be negative in connotation but share the nuance of no visual guidance.

by ear

Similar to "by feel" but uses auditory perception instead of tactile.

FAQs

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

Use "by feel" to describe actions performed based on intuition or physical sensation, rather than precise measurements or visual cues. For example, "The chef seasons the dish "by feel", relying on experience to guide the taste".

What does it mean to do something "by feel"?

Doing something "by feel" means relying on your senses and experience, particularly touch, to guide your actions, rather than following strict rules or measurements. It implies a degree of intuitive understanding and skill.

What can I say instead of "by feel"?

You can use alternatives like "intuitively", "instinctively", or "based on intuition" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "by feel" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal or technical writing, more precise language might be preferred. However, in many situations, "by feel" is perfectly appropriate, especially when describing subjective processes or actions guided by experience.