feel intrusive

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel intrusive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a feeling of being an unwelcome or unwelcome presence. For example, "I feel intrusive tagging along on your date. Don't worry about me, I'm happy just to watch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

That can feel intrusive".

The New York Times

Doesn't she feel intrusive, taking photos so close?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Asking mental health questions of the parent can sometimes feel intrusive or invasive.

The New York Times

What is watchful to some, however, can feel intrusive to others.

The New York Times

When they became aware of his gaze, they recoiled in a way that made him feel intrusive.

The New Yorker

"Even if it's not particularly exciting, anything they can find on you they will use, and it can feel intrusive".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It feels intrusive.

The Economist

It felt intrusive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nevertheless, reading this book I felt intrusive.

The Guardian

Mostly, it feels intrusive and disrespectful.

The New York Times

I didn't ask her though – it felt intrusive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel intrusive" to express discomfort about accessing private or sensitive information.

Common error

Avoid using "feel intrusive" to describe someone else's actions as deliberately invasive or forceful. The phrase describes a personal feeling of discomfort, not an objective assessment of someone's behavior. Instead, focus on how specific actions make you "feel" rather than labeling the actions as "intrusive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel intrusive" functions as a verb phrase expressing a subjective feeling or sensation. It describes the emotional state of someone perceiving their actions or presence as potentially unwelcome or disruptive, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel intrusive" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a sense of discomfort or apprehension about potentially violating someone's personal space or boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used to express concern about being unwelcome or overstepping. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to personal blogs. While the phrase is versatile, remember that it describes a feeling and not an objective assessment. When you sense you might be imposing, "feel intrusive" aptly conveys that awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel like I'm overstepping

Indicates a concern about exceeding acceptable boundaries.

sense I'm unwelcome

Highlights the feeling of not being wanted or accepted.

sense an intrusion

This alternative emphasizes the perception of violating someone's space or privacy.

feel like I'm imposing

Suggests a burden or inconvenience on others.

feel like I'm prying

Focuses on the feeling of inappropriately seeking information.

experience as invasive

Focuses on the feeling of being penetrated or encroached upon.

perceive as an invasion

This suggests a stronger violation, like an unwelcome entry into personal boundaries.

feel like I'm trespassing

Conveys a sense of violating boundaries, either physically or metaphorically.

feel out of place

Conveys a feeling of not belonging or fitting in.

feel like an interloper

Implies being an outsider or intruder.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel intrusive" to describe situations where you sense your presence might be unwelcome or that you're overstepping boundaries. For instance, "I "feel intrusive" asking about your personal life" or "I "feel intrusive" just standing here listening to your conversation."

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

In more formal contexts, you might consider phrases like "sense an intrusion" or "perceive as an invasion", which carry a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "feel intruded"?

While "intruded" is a valid word, saying "feel intruded" is less common and can sound awkward. It's more natural and grammatically sound to say "feel like I'm intruding" or simply "feel intrusive".

What's the difference between "feel intrusive" and "be intrusive"?

"Feel intrusive" describes a subjective sensation or awareness of potentially overstepping boundaries. "Be intrusive", on the other hand, implies an objective assessment of someone's behavior as actually violating those boundaries. For example, "I "feel intrusive" asking so many questions" expresses your discomfort, while "That question was intrusive" judges the question itself.