develop a feeling for

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop a feeling for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about gaining a familiarity with a certain topic, experience, or area. For example: After spending a few months in France, I developed a feeling for the local cuisine.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This grouping criteria allow the reader to have an immediate overview of past vs. current vs. future EGS activities, better appreciate the challenges faced by EGS (technical, economic and related to public acceptance), develop a feeling for the level of research and development efforts put into EGS vis-à-vis the desire to achieve worldwide commercialisation of the concept.

Geothermal Energy

You just develop a feeling for these palms".

The New York Times

It's a matter of cosying up the author – you see how they do it, and you develop a feeling for the music of the language".

Independent

One of these is called "isometries," which Mr. Forsythe described as "learning to develop a feeling for transferring the shape or form of one part of the body to another part, so, for example, the curve of an arm might be translated onto the whole body or the line between waist and neck".

The New York Times - Arts

"You immediately develop a feeling for the position.

Science Magazine

There's no 'Eureka' moment - you develop a feeling for what needs doing over time".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Through his father's pedagogical techniques, he developed a feeling for musical structure.

The New Yorker

The ensemble members, who also include Leo V. Finnie III as a hotel doorman, have developed a feeling for one another's rhythms that usually comes only with long acquaintance.

The New York Times

I imagine that developing a feeling for North is really useful".

Consciousness and Cognition

By the way, it gets even more complex when considering his description of the anti-hero he plays, the everyman, Steve, a super salesman for natural gas, who, Damon says, develops a feeling both for and against fracking and ends up promoting democracy: i.e. let the farm towns of America vote pro or con on the opportunity to sell their souls to the devil.

Huffington Post

"I hope the new owners will develop a better feeling for their responsibilities in the delta for levee maintenance and water quality," Zuckerman said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop a feeling for", consider emphasizing the experiential aspect of learning or understanding. It suggests a gradual and intuitive comprehension gained through practice and exposure.

Common error

Avoid using "develop a feeling for" when describing the acquisition of concrete, verifiable facts. The phrase is best suited for describing an intuitive understanding or a sense of something that is not easily quantifiable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "develop a feeling for" is to act as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring an intuitive understanding or sensitivity towards something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe how someone gains a sense or grasp of a particular subject or skill.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop a feeling for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of gaining an intuitive understanding or sensitivity towards something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a valid and usable expression in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that it aligns with the intended level of formality and that it accurately reflects the experiential and intuitive nature of the learning process. Keep in mind that this is not meant to be used when discussing concrete, factual information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become attuned to

Highlights the process of becoming sensitive or responsive to something, often subtly.

hone one's sense of

Highlights the process of refining and perfecting a particular sense or skill.

cultivate an intuition for

Focuses more on nurturing an inherent sense rather than developing it through experience. Emphasizes innate understanding.

foster a sensitivity to

Emphasizes the nurturing of a delicate awareness of something.

sharpen one's instincts for

Refers to improving innate capabilities through practice and experience.

acquire a knack for

Implies a natural talent or aptitude that is developed over time, rather than just a feeling.

build an understanding of

Focuses on the gradual construction of knowledge and comprehension.

gain an appreciation for

Specifically refers to developing a positive understanding or valuing of something.

get a handle on

Focuses on gaining control or understanding of a situation or task, not necessarily a feeling.

learn the ropes of

Focuses on learning the practical aspects and procedures of a particular job or activity, not necessarily a feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "develop a feeling for" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a feeling for" to describe gaining an intuitive understanding or sense of something through experience. For example: "After working with the software for a few months, I began to "develop a feeling for" its nuances".

What's a good substitute for "develop a feeling for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "cultivate an intuition for", "become attuned to", or "gain an appreciation for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "develop a feeling for" or "develop an understanding of"?

"Develop a feeling for" implies a more intuitive, less structured understanding, whereas "develop an understanding of" suggests a more analytical and cognitive comprehension. The choice depends on the context.

Can "develop a feeling for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "develop a feeling for" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing complex or nuanced subjects where intuition and experience play a significant role. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.