feel bad about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel bad about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing regret, guilt, or sympathy regarding a situation or action. Example: "I really feel bad about missing your birthday party; I should have made more of an effort to be there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I feel bad about it".

The New York Times - Magazine

And I can feel bad about it.

The New York Times

I feel bad about that joke.

Independent

I don't feel bad about it.

The New York Times

"I feel bad about that," Nova said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't feel bad about it".

The New Yorker

And I feel bad about that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They feel bad about that".

The New York Times

"And don't feel bad about washing dishes.

The New Yorker

But it's nothing to feel bad about.

The New Yorker

"I can feel bad about what happened, but I can't feel bad about being there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel bad about", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're expressing regret for your own actions, or sympathy for someone else's situation. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reason someone "feel bad about" something is obvious. Clearly state the object or event causing the negative emotion to prevent misunderstandings. Don't say "I feel bad about it" without specifying what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel bad about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a negative emotion, such as regret, guilt, or sympathy, regarding a specific situation or action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatical and widely used. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel bad about" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to convey regret, guilt, or sympathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially News & Media. To ensure clarity, specify the object or event causing the emotion. When a stronger expression of remorse is needed, alternatives such as "feel guilty about" or "feel remorseful about" can be used. Remember to use "feel sorry for" to express compassion towards someone else's misfortune and "feel bad about" for personal regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel guilty about

Highlights the feeling of culpability or responsibility for a mistake or offense.

feel sorry about

Expresses sympathy or compassion for someone else's misfortune or suffering.

regret

Indicates a sense of sorrow or remorse about something that has happened or been done.

have regrets about

Implies a sense of longing for a different outcome or a past action to be undone.

feel remorseful about

Emphasizes a deep sense of guilt and regret for a wrongdoing.

be saddened by

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or grief related to an event or situation.

be ashamed of

Indicates a feeling of embarrassment or disgrace due to one's actions or qualities.

be upset about

Expresses a feeling of unhappiness or disappointment concerning a particular situation.

be distressed by

Conveys a sense of anxiety or suffering caused by something.

lament

Represents a formal or literary expression of sorrow or mourning.

FAQs

How can I use "feel bad about" in a sentence?

You can use "feel bad about" to express regret or sympathy. For example, "I "feel bad about" missing your performance" shows regret, while "I "feel bad about" what happened to you" expresses sympathy.

What is a stronger alternative to "feel bad about"?

For a stronger expression, consider using "feel remorseful about" or "feel guilty about". These phrases convey a deeper sense of regret or culpability.

Is it correct to say "I feel badly about"?

While "bad" is typically an adjective, in the phrase ""feel bad about"", "bad" describes the state of feeling, not how the action of feeling is performed. Therefore, "I feel bad about" is generally considered correct.

When should I use "feel sorry for" instead of "feel bad about"?

Use "feel sorry for" when expressing pity or compassion towards someone else's misfortune. Use ""feel bad about"" when expressing regret for your own actions or a general situation.