feel a pull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel a pull" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong attraction or inclination towards something, whether emotional, physical, or metaphorical. Example: "As she walked past the art gallery, she couldn't help but feel a pull towards the vibrant paintings displayed in the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I tried to explain to him that, "Sometimes we are faced with things that make you feel a pull or a feeling in your heart or stomach.

Huffington Post

We want you to be brave and do what feels right". I tried to explain to him that, "Sometimes we are faced with things that make you feel a pull or a feeling in your heart or stomach.

HuffPost

In that you feel a pull.

The New Yorker

I feel a pull, but I resist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He continued to feel a pull to Ohio.

Harvard University

Many companies feel a pull to imitate the practices of successful rivals.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Then Roche felt a pull back toward academia.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tejada revealed he felt a pull in his right quadriceps.

The New York Times - Sports

He phoned me personally and I felt a pull.

The Guardian - Film

She felt a pull of sadness — for him.

The New Yorker

Julian said he too felt a pull here.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel a pull" to describe an emotional or instinctive attraction, rather than a reasoned decision. It's particularly effective when describing a subtle yet persistent inclination.

Common error

While "feel a pull" is versatile, it may sound too informal or subjective in highly formal or technical writing. Consider stronger, more objective language when precision is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel a pull" functions primarily as a verb phrase, expressing a subjective experience of attraction or inclination. Ludwig examples show it used to describe emotional, physical, or even abstract draws towards people, places, or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel a pull" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a sense of attraction or inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Analysis of various sources indicates it's most frequently used in News & Media and Academia, with a neutral to slightly informal register. When using the phrase, consider its subjective nature and potential informality in strictly formal contexts. Related phrases like "sense an attraction" or "feel drawn towards" can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. While "feel a pull" is generally appropriate, be mindful of its potential overuse and explore stronger, more objective language when precision is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Feel drawn towards

A more descriptive way of saying you are attracted to something, focusing on the direction of attraction.

Sense an attraction

Emphasizes a general feeling of being drawn to something, broader than a specific "pull".

Experience an inclination

Highlights the internal feeling of wanting to do or be involved with something.

Be attracted to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing attraction.

Have an affinity for

Suggests a natural liking or connection to something.

Be drawn in

Implies being passively influenced or captivated by something.

Find oneself gravitating toward

Suggests a gradual and natural movement towards something.

Resonate with

Highlights the feeling of agreement or shared emotion with something.

Succumb to the allure of

Suggests being tempted or charmed by something.

Be compelled by

Implies being forced or strongly influenced by something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel a pull" towards something?

To "feel a pull" towards something means to experience a strong sense of attraction, inclination, or compulsion. It often describes an emotional or intuitive draw, rather than a logical decision.

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

You can use "feel a pull" to describe your feelings towards a person, place, idea, or activity. For example, "I "feel a pull" towards the ocean whenever I'm stressed", or "She "felt a pull" to return to her hometown after many years away".

What can I say instead of "feel a pull"?

You can use alternatives like "sense an attraction", "feel drawn towards", or "experience an inclination" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "felt a pull" instead of "feel a pull"?

Yes, "felt a pull" is the past tense of "feel a pull" and is perfectly correct when describing an attraction or inclination experienced in the past. For example: "He "felt a pull" to volunteer after seeing the devastation caused by the hurricane".