feel for

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It expresses sympathy or pity towards someone else for a difficult situation they are facing. An example sentence would be: "I really feel for you during this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I feel for Lawes.

Independent

I feel for him".

The New York Times - Sports

"You feel for him.

The New York Times - Science

You feel for Wieber.

The New Yorker

You feel for the guy".

The New York Times - Sports

Boy, I feel for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"I feel for the guys.

The New York Times

I feel for the fish.

The New York Times

"I really feel for her.

Independent

"I feel for the families.

Independent

I really feel for them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, consider using adverbs such as "really", "deeply", or "genuinely" before "feel for" to strengthen the expression of sympathy.

Common error

Avoid using "feel for" in contexts where physical sensation is implied. The phrase almost exclusively refers to emotional sympathy; using it otherwise can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel for" functions as a verb phrase expressing empathy or sympathy towards someone. As evidenced by Ludwig, this is typically used when acknowledging another's misfortune or hardship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel for" is a verb phrase used to express sympathy or empathy, as validated by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and sees very common use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a broad range of conversations and writing styles. When using "feel for", ensure that the context clearly indicates the expression of sympathy rather than physical touch to avoid confusion. Remember to consider synonyms like "sympathize with" or "have compassion for" to tailor the sentiment to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sympathize with

Direct synonym expressing a shared feeling of sorrow or compassion.

my heart goes out to

An idiomatic expression indicating deep sympathy and concern.

have compassion for

Emphasizes the depth of understanding and kindness towards someone's suffering.

express sympathy to

Focuses on the act of conveying feelings of concern and support.

empathize with

Highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

show concern for

Indicates a level of care and worry about someone's situation.

be sorry for

A more direct and simple expression of regret or pity.

pity

Suggests a feeling of sorrow and compassion, sometimes implying a sense of condescension.

offer condolences to

A formal expression of sympathy, typically used in situations of loss or grief.

understand someone's pain

Focuses on comprehending the emotional distress someone is experiencing.

FAQs

How do I use "feel for" in a sentence?

Use "feel for" to express sympathy or empathy towards someone. For example, "I "feel for" anyone who has to work during the holidays."

What's a more formal way to say "feel for"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "express sympathy to" or "offer condolences to" instead of "feel for".

What can I say instead of "I feel for you"?

You can use alternatives like "I sympathize with you", "I have compassion for you", or "my heart goes out to you depending on the context.".

Is it ever inappropriate to use "feel for"?

Avoid using "feel for" if you are trying to convey physical sensation. This phrase is specific to expressing emotional sympathy. For example, "I "feel for the pulse"" is not appropriate; "check for" or "look for" is better.