feel carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel carefully" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where one is advised to be cautious or attentive while experiencing something, such as a texture or emotion. Example: "As you touch the sculpture, feel carefully to appreciate the intricate details."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

An original called "Casino" began with a solemn preamble on piano, and Mr. Moran summoned similar forces of concentration in his solo, making almost every note feel carefully determined.

The New York Times - Arts

For the most part, however, the White House portions of this book feel carefully prepared and vetted: Mrs. Bush lays out a predictable defense of her husband's decision to invade Iraq and his decision not to visit New Orleans in the immediate aftermath of Katrina, and she offers only the blandest portraits of administration figures like Dick Cheney, Donald H. Rumsfeld and Karl Rove.

The New York Times - Books

Even if you are a "realist," and you feel carefully screened out of UNREALISM, the rising tide of figuration may already be starting to float your boat.

Huffington Post

Both with Good Willsmith and on her own as TALsounds, Natalie Chami's well versed in making spur-of-the-moment gestures feel carefully plotted.

Vice

If you've looked everywhere for the pup "squirrel" and you can't find them, feel carefully along the walls.

WikiHow

(Are you stressed? Feel carefully for traces of tension in the body. Keep going. OK – now are you stressed?) It hardly matters that the belief starts off being false, since believing it makes it true.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

She felt carefully handled, like something precious or immensely fascinating.

The New Yorker

Every element in Ms. deBessonet's production feels carefully thought through without being heavy-handed.

The New York Times

He writes in a style that feels carefully tended but not overworked.

The New York Times - Books

They led small groups that seemed rigorously prepared, exploring a repertory that felt carefully considered.

The New York Times - Arts

Jad Abumrad was talking about "tension" --the thesion between the certainty of science and mysteries that inspire wonder; between authenticity and artifice; between a sound that feels carefully constructed and one that feels anarchic and alive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to physically interact with an object, use "feel carefully" to emphasize the need for attentiveness and caution to avoid damage or injury. This is especially important for delicate or potentially hazardous items.

Common error

Avoid using "feel carefully" when describing abstract concepts or emotions. It is more suitable for physical interactions. For emotional or intellectual contexts, consider phrases like "think critically" or "consider thoughtfully."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "feel carefully" is to act as a verb phrase, where "feel" is the main verb and "carefully" is an adverb modifying the verb. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in directing focused tactile perception.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel carefully" is grammatically acceptable, serving as a verb phrase to instruct cautious tactile exploration. However, Ludwig AI suggests that its usage might sound slightly awkward and is relatively uncommon. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When instructing someone to physically interact with an object, the phrase emphasizes the need for attentiveness and caution to avoid damage or injury. Consider using alternative phrasings like "perceive cautiously" or "handle with care" for enhanced clarity and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be mindful while feeling

Stresses the importance of being aware and present while experiencing sensations or emotions.

sense sensitively

Highlights the emotional or intuitive aspect of sensing something, implying a deep awareness.

perceive cautiously

Focuses on the act of perceiving with caution, shifting the emphasis from feeling to a broader sensory perception.

examine meticulously

Emphasizes a detailed and thorough examination, suggesting a more analytical approach than simply "feeling".

explore carefully

Highlights a journey or process of discovery undertaken with thoughtfulness and care.

handle with care

Implies gentleness and caution in physical interaction, suitable when dealing with delicate objects.

touch gently

Emphasizes the lightness and delicacy of touch, suggesting a non-invasive approach.

check attentively

Implies a focus on detailed examination and verification, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

listen attentively

Shifts the focus to auditory perception, emphasizing careful and focused listening.

proceed cautiously

Advises caution in moving forward, whether physically or metaphorically, highlighting the need for careful steps.

FAQs

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

Use "feel carefully" when you want to emphasize the importance of attentiveness and caution while experiencing something physically. For example, "Feel carefully along the wall to find the light switch."

What does it mean to "feel carefully"?

To "feel carefully" means to use your sense of touch with focused attention and caution, often to discern details or avoid harm. It emphasizes the act of sensing with a high degree of awareness.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "feel carefully"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "perceive cautiously", "examine meticulously", or "handle with care".

Is "feel carefully" grammatically correct?

While not as common as other similar phrases, "feel carefully" is grammatically acceptable as it uses a verb followed by an adverb to modify the verb. However, its usage may sound slightly awkward, so consider alternative phrasings for clarity.