feels like

USAGE SUMMARY

"feels like" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing what a certain experience is like. For example: "The air outside feels like a sauna today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It feels like nothing".

The New York Times - Sports

It feels like December.

The New York Times

It feels like work".

Independent

It feels like wisdom.

The New Yorker

It feels like animation.

The New York Times - Sports

It feels like reportage".

The New Yorker

It feels like porcelain.

The New Yorker

"This feels like it".

The New York Times

"It feels like doomsday".

The New York Times

It feels like abandonment.

The New York Times - Books

"It feels like home.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feels like" to describe subjective experiences and sensations, providing vivid and relatable imagery for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "feels like" in highly formal or scientific writing where precise measurements or objective descriptions are required. Opt for more specific and quantifiable language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feels like" functions as a linking verb, connecting a subject to a subjective description of a sensation or state. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to convey impressions rather than objective facts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feels like" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey subjective sensations and impressions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While "feels like" is acceptable for general use, it should be avoided in highly formal or scientific writing where objective descriptions are necessary. Alternatives such as "seems like" or "resembles" can be used depending on the context. Remember that "feels like" focuses on personal experience rather than factual conditions, allowing writers to create relatable imagery for their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems like

Indicates a perception based on limited information or observation.

evokes the sensation of

Focuses on a sensory experience or feeling.

gives the impression of

Emphasizes a subjective perception.

resembles

Focuses on a visual or superficial similarity.

is reminiscent of

Highlights a similarity that evokes a memory or past experience.

is akin to

Suggests a formal comparison or analogy.

bears a resemblance to

Indicates a clear and noticeable similarity.

is comparable to

Implies a direct comparison, often with measurable qualities.

has the characteristics of

Highlights specific attributes or features that are shared.

smacks of

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication, often negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "feels like" to describe a sensation or impression. For example, "The fabric "feels like silk"" or "This situation "feels like a dream"".

What are some alternatives to "feels like"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "seems like", "resembles", or "gives the impression of".

Is it correct to say "it feels as if" instead of "feels like"?

Yes, "it feels as if" is a grammatically correct alternative to "feels like", though it may sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "feels like" and "actually is"?

"Feels like" indicates a subjective sensation or perception, while "actually is" states a factual condition. For example, "It feels like it's raining" suggests you perceive rain, whereas "it actually is raining" confirms the presence of rain.