felt like asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "felt like asking" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to express the desire to ask a question or make a request. Example: "I felt like asking my boss for a raise, but I was too nervous to actually do it." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing their desire to ask for a raise, but ultimately did not do so.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

THE answer was obvious even before the question was posed, but we felt like asking anyway.

The New York Times

I felt like asking to change tables just to get away from me.

The New York Times - Style

When the Yankees visited workers last weekend, shortstop Derek Jeter said he felt like asking them for autographs.

The New York Times - Sports

"We felt like asking, 'When you hear these noises, do you feel like eating Oreos?' " said Heather Drolet, one of the investigators.

The New York Times

He's done so much brilliant work there over the past nine years that I felt like asking, as Harold Pinter once asked Antonia Fraser in a rather different context, "Must you go?".

The Guardian

I felt like asking one of the truckers eating at the other tables to run me over and leave me gutted on the road, split open like the dogs I saw occasionally lying dead on the asphalt.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Sometimes a feature feels like asking for help".

The Guardian - Music

And so there are still times when I feel like asking…" The boxer pauses.

Independent

I feel like asking them: why on earth would I want that?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You feel like asking: OK, this CD of amplified beetles, is it actually any good?

The Guardian - Music

When you see McEwing, you feel like asking for two with mustard.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid overuse, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "wanted to ask" or "considered asking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Ensure you use the past tense "felt" to accurately reflect the past inclination. Using "feel like asking" may imply a current, ongoing desire rather than a past impulse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "felt like asking" primarily functions as a verbal phrase expressing a past inclination or desire to inquire or request something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "felt like asking" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a past inclination or desire to inquire, often implying that the action was not ultimately taken. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, it may be advisable to use more formal alternatives like "considered asking" in professional settings. Remember to use the past tense "felt" to accurately reflect the past inclination. Consider alternatives like "wanted to ask" or "considered asking" for variety. To make the most use of the phrase, use "felt like asking" to convey a fleeting thought or an impulse to inquire, especially when the question wasn't actually posed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wanted to ask

Directly indicates a desire to inquire; more straightforward.

nearly asked

Emphasizes the proximity to asking without actually doing so.

almost asked

Similar to 'nearly asked' but slightly less emphatic.

was on the verge of asking

Conveys being very close to actually asking.

considered asking

Implies a more thoughtful deliberation about asking.

had the urge to ask

Highlights a strong, almost irresistible impulse.

was tempted to ask

Suggests a consideration of asking, possibly against better judgment.

toyed with the idea of asking

Suggests a playful or non-serious consideration.

had half a mind to ask

Indicates a weak or fleeting inclination.

contemplated posing the question

More formal and deliberate; suited for academic or professional settings.

FAQs

How can I use "felt like asking" in a sentence?

You can use "felt like asking" to express a past desire or impulse to ask something, even if you didn't actually ask it. For example, "I "felt like asking" for a raise, but I decided against it."

What's a more direct alternative to "felt like asking"?

Alternatives include "wanted to ask", which is a straightforward way to express a past desire to inquire. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "felt like asking" in formal writing?

While "felt like asking" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "considered asking" or "contemplated posing the question" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "felt like asking" and "was going to ask"?

"Felt like asking" implies an impulse or desire that may not have led to action, while "was going to ask" suggests a more definite intention that was potentially interrupted or changed. The key difference is the level of certainty and planned action.