feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feelings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing emotions or emotional responses in various contexts, such as personal reflections, literature, or psychology. Example: "She expressed her feelings about the situation in a heartfelt letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to accept that people often have reasons to feel happy or unhappy, and that those reasons are as important as the feelings themselves.

The Guardian

Being able to live in a stable home is a basic human need, tied up with important feelings of choice and certainty, and we are living in a world now where only a few can hope for that, which cannot be right".

The Guardian - Business

"And with this work I tried to express my own feelings and let society at large speak".

The Guardian

And the so-called innocent party may have even contributed to the event by not being sufficiently open and sympathetic to their partner's feelings.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Through the medium of the puppet, the child finds himself/herself able to express thoughts, ideas and feelings that he/she otherwise could not have.

The Guardian

She confessed to the feelings of rage and helplessness that overwhelmed her as she gazed down up on the blood-soaked body of Angela.

The Guardian

With feelings running high, the sight of a Network Rail hi-vis jacket beside a level crossing attracts the attention of a man who comes striding across a Suffolk beet field, brandishing an alarmingly large pair of secateurs.

The Guardian

"Seeing how their feelings get hurt by their peers," he said, "on purpose or not, it derails them for the rest of the day.

The Guardian

It was to their credit, you may say, that, recognising their limitations, they wanted an adviser who understood the thoughts and feelings of people less privileged than themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

She delivers certain lines with relish – when she tells her would-be suitor Gabriel Oak: "I hate to be thought men's property" and, when faced with another, William Boldwood, she murmurs pointedly: "It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in language which is chiefly made by men to express theirs".

The Guardian - Film

A Tehran-based Green Movement activist had mixed feelings about the utility of such mediated exchanges between Iran and the United States.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feelings" to convey emotional experiences or reactions, ensuring the context provides clarity about the specific emotions involved. For instance, "managing your feelings" effectively during stressful situations.

Common error

Be specific when describing "feelings". Instead of saying "I have feelings about it", clarify the emotion, such as "I feel anxious about the situation" or "I have concerns about the decision".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "feelings" is as a plural noun. It typically refers to the subjective experiences of emotions or sensations. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts to express personal states and reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

16%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Film

6%

Books

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feelings" is a plural noun widely used to express emotional states and subjective experiences. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces. When writing, ensure to specify the emotion to avoid overgeneralization. Alternative expressions include "emotions" and "sentiments", each carrying slight nuances. Its usage spans from neutral reporting to more intimate expressions making it a versatile term for describing personal states and reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotions

Broader term encompassing a wide range of affective states.

emotional responses

Focuses on reactions driven by feelings.

sentiments

Implies more refined or considered emotions.

inner experiences

Highlights subjective and personal aspects of feeling.

affective states

Technical term referring to the experience of feeling or emotion.

sensibilities

Focuses on the capacity to experience emotions and be affected by them.

states of mind

Refers to the overall mental and emotional condition.

sensations

Refers more to physical experiences and perceptions.

impressions

Refers to the subjective effect on someone.

intuitions

Emphasizes instinctive understanding or knowing.

FAQs

How can I use "feelings" in a sentence?

You can use "feelings" to describe emotional states. For example, "She expressed her feelings of joy and gratitude" or "It's important to acknowledge your feelings /s/emotions during difficult times".

What are some alternatives to the word "feelings"?

Alternatives include "emotions", "sentiments", and "sensations", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I have a feeling" instead of "I have feelings"?

Yes, "I have a feeling" usually refers to an intuition or premonition, while "I have feelings" refers to emotions or emotional responses. They are used in different contexts.

What's the difference between "feelings" and "emotions"?

"Feelings" are subjective experiences of emotions. "Emotions" /s/emotions are more general physiological and psychological states. The terms are often used interchangeably, but "feelings" can imply a more personal perspective.