feel like

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel like" can be used in written English and is a common phrase.
It is often used to express a feeling or opinion. For example, "I feel like it's going to be a great day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can't feel like medicine".

Los Angeles Times

I feel like, Argggh!

The New York Times - Magazine

Tuesdays feel like Fridays.

The New York Times - Sports

I feel like 60.

The New York Times - Health

I feel like working.

The New Yorker

I feel, like, uncomfortable".

The New York Times

I feel like crying.

Independent

"Feel like a failure".

The New York Times

You feel like Jesus".

The New Yorker

Feel Like You".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I feel like me".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel like" to express subjective feelings or opinions, but consider more precise language when conveying objective facts. For instance, instead of saying "I feel like the data is wrong", consider stating "The data appears to be incorrect based on these anomalies".

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, excessive use of "feel like" in formal or academic contexts can make your writing sound less authoritative. Replace it with stronger verbs or more direct statements to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel like" primarily functions as a linking verb followed by a noun, pronoun, or clause. It connects the subject to a description of a feeling, sensation, or opinion. Ludwig confirms its common usage for expressing subjective experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel like" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English, primarily serving to convey subjective feelings, sensations, or opinions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources but is also present in Science and Formal & Business contexts. While "feel like" is generally neutral in register, writers should consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional writing. Related phrases such as "have the sensation of" and "as though" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to use "feel like" judiciously and replace it with more precise language when conveying objective information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as though

Introduces a hypothetical comparison, similar to "feel like" in expressing a subjective resemblance.

have the sensation of

Emphasizes the physical or emotional sensation experienced, differing from "feel like" by focusing solely on the sensory aspect.

have the impression of

Highlights the idea of forming an opinion or belief based on incomplete information, similar to "feel like" in expressing a subjective assessment.

experience as if

Highlights the subjective nature of the experience, similar to "feel like" but with a more formal tone.

it seems that

Indicates an appearance or impression, distancing the speaker from the feeling more than "feel like".

perceive as

Focuses on the mental act of perceiving something to be a certain way, slightly more cognitive than "feel like".

sense that

Indicates an intuitive understanding or feeling, similar to "feel like" but implying a less conscious awareness.

to have a sense of

Focuses on intuition or vague understanding, slightly more subtle than the directness of "feel like".

believe that

Expresses a conviction or opinion, differing from "feel like" by focusing on a more reasoned judgment.

think that

Conveys a personal opinion or thought, differing from "feel like" by emphasizing a cognitive assessment rather than a feeling.

FAQs

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

"Feel like" can be used to express a sensation, desire, or opinion. For example, "I feel like I need a vacation", "I feel like eating pizza", or "I feel like it's going to rain".

What are some alternatives to "feel like" when expressing an opinion?

Alternatives include using phrases like "believe that", "think that", or "in my opinion" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I feel as if" instead of "I feel like"?

Yes, "I feel as if" is grammatically correct and very similar in meaning to "I feel like". Both phrases are used to express a subjective feeling or perception.

When is it more appropriate to use "I think" instead of "I feel like"?

"I think" is more appropriate when expressing a reasoned judgment or belief, while "feel like" is better suited for expressing a sensation, emotion, or less certain opinion. For example, "I think the project will succeed" expresses a reasoned opinion, whereas "I feel like the project is doomed" expresses an emotional sentiment.