feel left out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel left out" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express a feeling of exclusion or alienation. For example, "The new girl in school felt left out when the other students refused to include her in their group activities".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They're feeling smug today, but they're going to feel left out in a few days".

Forbes

If other Europeans feel left out?

The Economist

Richard Ayoade (politely) "I won't feel left out".

Independent

Everybody tasting syrah, and you feel left out?

The New York Times - Magazine

I would hate for them to feel left out".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We feel left out; we need to associate with something.

The New York Times

I don't want anyone in Shetland or Orkney to feel left out by this".

Independent

"They'll see everybody laughing and they're afraid they'll feel left out," Mr. Wong said.

The New York Times

New Year's Eve raises even more questions: do I go out or feel left out?

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a risk, she said, that "people feel left out".

The New York Times

Your kids will not feel left out if you go out, Ms. Jyothi tells them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about group dynamics, use "feel left out" to sensitively describe the emotional experience of individuals who are not fully included. Always consider the context and potential impact of exclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "feel left out" as a catch-all term for general sadness or disappointment. The phrase specifically describes the emotional consequence of being excluded from a group or activity. Use more appropriate terms if the context is not related to exclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel left out" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the emotional state of a subject, indicating a feeling of exclusion or not belonging. As Ludwig AI points out, it expresses a feeling of exclusion or alienation. This can be seen in examples such as, "They'll see everybody laughing and they're afraid they'll feel left out,".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

43%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel left out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the emotional state of being excluded. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to express feelings of exclusion or alienation. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as in general writing contexts such as wikis, but is suitable for various registers, from informal conversations to professional discourse. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the emotional consequence of exclusion and consider the potential impact on your audience. Remember to avoid using it as an umbrella term for sadness. Alternatives such as "feel excluded" or "feel like an outsider" may be more appropriate depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel excluded

Direct synonym emphasizing the state of being excluded.

feel like an outsider

Emphasizes the feeling of not belonging.

feel like I don't belong

Expresses a strong sense of not fitting in or being part of a group.

feel ostracized

Implies a more deliberate and severe form of exclusion.

feel alienated

Highlights the emotional distance and detachment.

feel ignored

Focuses on the experience of not being noticed or acknowledged.

feel sidelined

Suggests being moved to the periphery or not being given a central role.

feel isolated

Focuses on the feeling of being alone and separated.

feel unwanted

Emphasizes the lack of acceptance or desire for inclusion.

feel passed over

Suggests being overlooked or ignored for an opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "feel left out" in a sentence?

You can use "feel left out" to describe the sensation of being excluded or not included in a group or activity. For instance, "She often "feels left out" when her colleagues discuss their weekend plans without inviting her."

What are some alternative phrases for "feel left out"?

Some alternatives to "feel left out" include "feel excluded", "feel like an outsider", or "feel isolated". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel left out"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Feel" is a linking verb, and "left out" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of being excluded.

What's the difference between "feel left out" and "feel lonely"?

"Feel left out" specifically refers to the sensation of being excluded from a group or activity, while "feel lonely" describes a more general sense of isolation and lack of companionship. You can "feel lonely" even when surrounded by people, but "feel left out" implies exclusion from a specific context.