feel against

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel against" is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
You cannot use it as-is in any context.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

These clothes help to overcome the prejudice many inland Americans feel against military men, a feeling induced by brass buttons and fanned into a leaping resentment by the sight of a Sam Browne belt.

The New Yorker

Despite Wakefield's layoff, he said he had no concerns about how his shoulder would feel against the Indians.

The New York Times - Sports

The self-appointed scourge of middle-class mediocrity, he lamented to a friend, "I feel against the stupidity of my epoch waves of hatred that choke me".

The New York Times - Books

I find it ever harder to remember how it felt to be in a room with either of those men, but I know how their sweaters feel against my skin.

The New Yorker

Mr Allingham, in the dark, misstepped again into the vile hole where he could feel, against his groping hands, the floating carcasses of rats and parts of human bodies.

The Economist

García offers an insight into how Steven Gerrard and co may feel against Chelsea – who are five points behind Liverpool and need a win to keep their title hopes alive – at Anfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Feeling against them increased.

The New Yorker

The world felt against me and I gave over-the-top reactions to small things".

The Guardian - Sport

Pointer's absence was hardly felt against the injury-depleted Orangewomen, who suited only nine players.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet Audley, the civil servant, feels "against all sense or reason, exhilarated, released".

The New York Times - Books

And most of my peers felt against the war as I did.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical sensations, be specific about what is felt and where. For example, instead of saying "I feel it against my skin", specify "I feel the sun's warmth against my skin."

Common error

Avoid using "feel against" in abstract or emotional contexts where a more precise verb like "resent", "oppose", or "dislike" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "I feel against his opinion", use "I disagree with his opinion."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel against" functions primarily to describe a physical sensation experienced upon contact, as in "how their sweaters feel against my skin". It can also, although less precisely, indicate opposition or negative sentiment. Ludwig identifies this as a phrase that is not typically correct in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "feel against" appears in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically questionable and often lacks precision. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is not a standard English phrase, and more descriptive alternatives are usually preferable. It's used to describe physical sensations or to express a sense of opposition. When describing physical sensations, provide specific details. When expressing negative feelings, use more accurate terms like "dislike", "oppose", or "resent". The phrase is most common in news and media, but its imprecise nature makes it less suitable for formal writing. Always consider more standard alternatives for clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel the texture of

Specifically refers to the tactile sensation of something, relevant when discussing physical touch.

be sensitive to the touch of

Emphasizes a heightened sensitivity to physical contact.

experience a sensation of

Focuses on the sensory aspect of feeling something, rather than an emotional or abstract connection.

detect a feeling of

Highlights the act of noticing or becoming aware of a particular emotion or sensation.

sense resistance towards

Highlights a feeling of resistance or opposition, suitable when describing reluctance or disagreement.

feel in opposition to

Emphasizes a sense of being opposed or contrary to something, rather than a direct feeling.

react negatively to

Indicates an adverse response or feeling towards something.

have an aversion to

Indicates a strong dislike or disinclination towards something.

feel pressured by

Focuses on the sense of being constrained or influenced against one's will.

harbor resentment toward

Specifies a feeling of bitterness or indignation towards someone or something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel against" something?

The phrase "feel against" generally implies experiencing a sensation upon contact with something, or having a negative sentiment towards something. Its usage varies, and it's often more effective to use precise language to describe the specific sensation or emotion.

How can I describe the sensation of something touching my skin instead of saying "I feel it against my skin"?

You can use more descriptive phrases such as "I "feel the texture of"", "I "sense the warmth of"", or "I "feel the roughness of"" depending on the sensation.

What are some alternatives to express negative feelings towards something instead of "I feel against it"?

Alternatives include "I "dislike" it", "I "oppose" it", "I "resent" it", or "I "am averse to" it", which provide more clarity and precision.

Is "feel against" grammatically correct in all contexts?

While the phrase "feel against" appears in some contexts, it is not always grammatically sound. Ludwig's AI indicates it is not a standard English phrase and recommends using alternative expressions for clarity and correctness. It's usually better to opt for more precise and widely accepted phrasing.