feel around

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to use one's hands to search or explore by touch. Example: He couldn't find his keys in the dark, so he had to feel around in his pockets until he finally found them.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also feel around, using all your senses.

WikiHow

Take care not to feel around too hard or you might rip the wrapping paper.

WikiHow

She will then feel around to see if the IUD is still at the top of your cervix.

WikiHow

What sensations would you feel around your heart?

University of California, Berkeley

I couldn't help but feel around my head.

The New York Times

"I'll have to feel around under the hull tonight," Leif said.

The New York Times - Travel

He proceeded to feel around inside his jacket, and then he extended his hand.

The New Yorker

English has no single word for the happiness and elation we feel around the emotion.

The New Yorker

But they've got to go home and check; they've got to feel around.

Yale University

Do we have a sense of how much ownership they feel around the outcome?

The New York Times

I just didn't feel around the clubhouse the desperation there was 10 days ago".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel around" when you want to describe the act of searching or exploring an area with your hands, especially when visibility is limited or when specific textures or shapes are being sought.

Common error

Avoid using "feel around" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "palpate" or "examine by touch" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "feel around" is a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a clause. Ludwig AI indicates it describes the action of using one's hands to search or explore by touch. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing physical actions and even, metaphorically, sensing a general environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

33%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel around" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to explore or search by touch. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While generally informal, it appears across various contexts, including news, media, and even academic texts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional writing. This phrasal verb is mostly found in WikiHow and News & Media sources, as revealed by Ludwig. When writing, be aware of the level of formality required and choose "feel around" when you want to emphasize the tactile nature of searching or exploring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search by touch

Explicitly specifies the method of searching using the sense of touch.

explore with hands

Emphasizes the action of using hands for exploration.

grope

Shorter, more direct way of saying "feel around", implying a less delicate touch.

scan with hands

Suggests a systematic search using the hands.

test by touch

Focuses on using touch to assess or examine something.

probe

Implies a more deliberate and investigative exploration.

run hands over

Describes the action of moving one's hands across a surface to explore it.

fumble

Suggests a clumsy or awkward attempt to find something by touch.

palpate

A more formal term, often used in medical contexts, for examining by touch.

handle

Implies touching and manipulating something to understand it.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel around" to describe physically searching for something by touch, especially when you can't see clearly. For example, "I had to feel around in my bag to find my keys."

What can I say instead of "feel around"?

You can use alternatives like "grope", "search by touch", or "explore with hands" depending on the context.

Is "feel around" appropriate for formal writing?

While "feel around" is commonly used, it's generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms such as "palpate" or "examine by touch".

What does it mean to "feel around" for an idea?

Figuratively, "feel around" can mean exploring or investigating a topic tentatively. However, in such contexts, other alternatives like "explore" or "investigate" are generally more suitable.