feeling justified

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling justified" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a sense of having a valid reason for an emotion or action. Example: "After hearing her explanation, I found myself feeling justified in my decision." Alternative expressions include "feeling warranted" and "feeling entitled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Common traits of narcissism include constantly feeling underappreciated, thinking everyone else is stupid, and feeling justified in acting mean to people.

Independent

Now, with those same people getting their content a la carte by whatever means necessary (and feeling justified after decades of mistreatment by cable companies), it appears that Comcast, Time Warner, and the rest of the cable giants are changing their tune.

TechCrunch

As the word demagogue suggests, the leader is bringing the common folk to a destination -- a place of feeling justified in seeking domination, revenge, and superiority.

Huffington Post

We're making it virtually impossible for gay people to exist in our churches, and then feeling justified in damning them for walking away from God when they leave.

Huffington Post

Then there are the rest of us, who go back and forth between feeling justified in our anger, acting out or suppressing its expression, occasionally regretting it, occasionally feeling triumphant, and yet frequently not sure whether to be angry or not to be angry!

Huffington Post

Avoid adding in little lines about feeling justified.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If Stoner's success had a downside, though, it was that it would later mask the fundamental problem, the lack of front-end feeling, justifying a slow approach to development.

BBC

If she's going through a bad long breakup, don't compare her three year relationship to your three month relationship, or she'll cry, "It's not the same!" It's better to say, "I can't imagine what you're going through," or "I can't even begin to understand how you feel... ........ Most of the time, this is more often the case, and will make the girl feel justified in her feelings.

WikiHow

When you are assertive, you own your feelings and needs, and you feel justified in having them.

WikiHow

But Shorty's uneasy feelings are justified.

The New York Times

All of my negative feelings were justified when she decided to extend my stay by ten days to further adjust my medication.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeling justified", ensure the context clearly explains the reason or basis for that feeling. This provides clarity and strengthens the argument or emotion being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling justified" without providing clear reasons or evidence. Overusing the phrase without proper context can weaken your argument and make your writing seem vague or self-serving. Always explain why you or someone else is feeling justified.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "feeling justified" is as a predicate adjective phrase. The verb "feeling" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "justified", which describes the subject's state. This phrase typically appears after a subject and a linking verb to describe a state of being or a quality. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

The Guardian

6%

The New York Times

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling justified" is a commonly used phrase to express a sense of having a valid reason for one's emotions or actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and wikis. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to provide clear context to avoid any implication of self-righteousness. Consider alternatives like "feeling vindicated" or "feeling warranted" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its implications and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "feeling justified" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling vindicated

Emphasizes being proven right after doubt or opposition.

feeling warranted

Suggests a sense that the feeling is appropriate and deserved.

having a valid reason

Focuses on the existence of a legitimate basis for the feeling.

feeling entitled

Implies a belief that one has a right to the feeling, which can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

having grounds for

Indicates that there are sufficient reasons to support the feeling.

feeling authorized

Suggests a sense of permission or right to have the feeling.

feeling legitimized

Emphasizes that the feeling is made acceptable or lawful.

feeling sanctioned

Implies a formal approval or endorsement of the feeling.

being in the right

Highlights moral correctness or justification.

feeling supported

Suggests that external factors or evidence confirm the feeling's validity.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling justified" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling justified" to express a sense of having a valid reason for an emotion or action. For instance, "After hearing their explanation, I was "feeling justified" in my decision."

What's a more formal way to say "feeling justified"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "feeling warranted" or "having a valid reason" instead of "feeling justified". These alternatives often convey a greater sense of objectivity and authority.

Is there a negative connotation associated with "feeling justified"?

While generally neutral, "feeling justified" can sometimes imply a sense of self-righteousness or entitlement. Be mindful of the context and consider alternative phrases like "feeling vindicated" if you want to avoid any negative implications.

Which is correct, "feeling justified" or "justified in feeling"?

Both "feeling justified" and "justified in feeling" are grammatically correct. However, "justified in feeling" often sounds more formal and is frequently followed by a specific emotion, such as "justified in feeling angry".