feel foreign

USAGE SUMMARY

'feel foreign' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a feeling of unfamiliarity with something or someone. For example, "When I moved to a new town I felt foreign in my new surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

If anything, job security would probably feel foreign to him.

The New York Times

And unlike other Eastern cities, it made me feel foreign.

The Guardian - Travel

Half feel foreign firms have been "singled out" in recent antitrust or corruption campaigns.

The Economist

Visitors will notice that the objects she gathers in her travels do feel foreign.

The New York Times

Not only are we now foreign – we are made to feel foreign.

The Guardian - Opinion

It doesn't feel foreign at all, in fact sometimes it feels too close.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

After 9/11, we felt foreign.

The New York Times - Magazine

It feels foreign to them, I think.

The Guardian

Living in New York, we never felt foreign.

The New York Times - Magazine

Despite being American, I felt foreign in New York City in 1980.

The Guardian - Books

"It feels foreign, but it feels fun," said Catherine Boyle, an analyst at eMarketer, a research firm.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing personal experiences of cultural immersion, use "feel foreign" to convey the initial sense of unfamiliarity before adapting to a new environment.

Common error

Avoid using "feel foreign" when describing situations that are only slightly different or new. Reserve it for experiences that evoke a genuine sense of cultural or situational displacement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel foreign" functions primarily as a descriptor of a subjective experience. It combines a sensory verb ("feel") with an adjective ("foreign") to express a sense of unfamiliarity, alienation, or displacement. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly and correctly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

8%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel foreign" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a sense of unfamiliarity or alienation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts. The analysis of various sources reveals its widespread application across news media, scientific publications, and business communications. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended sense of displacement, rather than a minor inconvenience. Semantically related phrases include "feel like a stranger" and "feel out of place".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel like an outsider

Highlights the sensation of not being part of a group or community.

feel like a stranger

Focuses on the sensation of being unknown or unrecognized in a specific setting.

feel out of place

Emphasizes a lack of belonging or fitting in with the surroundings or social context.

feel like a fish out of water

Uses a metaphor to describe feeling uncomfortable and unsuited to the environment.

feel like an alien

Highlights a sense of extreme difference or disconnect from others.

feel disconnected

Suggests a lack of emotional or social connection with people or the environment.

feel culturally displaced

Specifically refers to the feeling of being uprooted from one's cultural background.

feel isolated

Emphasizes the feeling of being alone and separated from others.

experience alienation

Implies a deeper and more profound sense of estrangement.

feel estranged

Suggests a loss of familiarity or connection with something that was once familiar.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel foreign" to describe the sensation of being in an unfamiliar place or situation. For example, "After living abroad for many years, returning home made me "feel foreign"."

What does it mean to "feel foreign"?

To "feel foreign" means to experience a sense of unfamiliarity, alienation, or not belonging, often in a new or different environment. It can also refer to feeling out of sync with one's surroundings or culture.

What can I say instead of "feel foreign"?

You can use alternatives like "feel out of place", "feel like a stranger", or "feel alienated" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel foreign"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The verb "feel" correctly modifies the adjective "foreign" to describe a subjective experience or sensation.