feel very bad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel very bad" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong sense of discomfort, guilt, or sadness about a situation or action. Example: "After hearing the news, I began to feel very bad about my previous comments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I feel very bad now.

Yale University

"I feel very bad for the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

We feel very bad about that".

The Guardian

It makes me feel very bad".

The Guardian

They feel very bad about what happened.

The New York Times

"I feel very bad for his family.

The New York Times

I feel very bad about that".

The New Yorker

"I feel very bad," he said.

The New York Times

He tells the genie, "I feel very bad.

Independent

"I feel very bad right now," he said.

The New York Times

So, when I see them faltering, I feel very bad.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel very bad" to express empathy or regret when someone is experiencing hardship. For example: "I /s/feel+very+bad/ for the family after the accident."

Common error

While grammatically sound, "feel very bad" can sound somewhat informal. In professional or academic contexts, consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "deeply regret" or "am greatly concerned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel very bad" functions as a subjective expression of emotion or physical state. It describes the speaker's internal experience, whether related to sadness, guilt, or physical discomfort, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel very bad" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express negative emotions, physical discomfort, or empathy. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, and the examples highlight its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate in most situations, more formal settings may benefit from stronger or more specific alternatives. Pay attention to the intended nuance when choosing between "feel very bad" and similar phrases like "feel awful" or "feel terrible".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel really awful

Emphasizes the negative feeling more strongly than the original phrase.

feel quite terrible

Similar in intensity, but uses a different adjective to describe the feeling.

feel incredibly sorry

Highlights the sense of regret or remorse experienced.

feel deeply saddened

Focuses on the emotional aspect of sadness.

feel very upset

Focuses on the emotional distress experienced.

feel extremely guilty

Specifically indicates a feeling of culpability.

feel genuinely remorseful

Emphasizes the sincerity of the regret.

feel intensely distressed

Conveys a higher level of emotional suffering.

feel considerably distressed

Similar in intensity, but utilizes a different wording structure to express distress.

feel profoundly affected

Highlights the significant impact of something on one's feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "feel very bad" in a sentence?

You can use "feel very bad" to express sympathy, regret, or a sense of personal discomfort. For example, "I "feel very bad" that I couldn't attend your event."

What are some alternatives to "feel very bad"?

You can use alternatives like "feel awful", "feel terrible", or "feel remorseful" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I feel badly" instead of "I feel very bad"?

While "I feel badly" is grammatically correct, it implies a problem with your sense of touch. To express sadness or regret, "I "feel very bad"" is the more appropriate choice.

When is it appropriate to use "feel very bad" in writing?

It's appropriate to use ""feel very bad"" in situations where you want to convey a sense of empathy, sorrow, or regret. However, consider the formality of your writing and choose a more precise term if needed.