felt like quitting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "felt like quitting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a moment of frustration or the desire to give up on a task or situation. Example: "After working late for several nights in a row, I really felt like quitting my job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He felt like quitting on himself.

The New York Times

"But whenever he felt like quitting, he thought about those poor kids, stuck in those horrible schools, and he just worked harder".

The New Yorker

What they wanted to know about was Johnson's training regimen, his abdominal work, what he ate before his workout or whether he ever felt like quitting when he was in high school.

The New York Times - Sports

She has been in tears many times during the last few days, and even, fleetingly, felt like quitting the show altogether at one point and fleeing all the attention.

The Guardian

While I often use positive visualisation in the build up to a marathon, whenever I've felt like quitting – or wanted to run faster when there's nothing left – I've pulled out some skeleton from the well-stocked cupboard of my childhood and rechannelled the anger into forward motion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I more felt like quitting.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Sure, it may work for some that way, but you are more likely to get overwhelmed and feel like quitting.

Huffington Post

Four weeks later, he came into my office, plopped down in a chair, and said, "I almost feel like quitting.

The New York Times

"Puerto Ricans in the Bronx, they sometimes feel like quitting, but they hold on," Ms. Gerena said.

The New York Times

"She says, 'Joe, I know you feel like quitting, but what if tomorrow is the day you get what you want?' And walks out.

The New York Times - Health

But the great thing about being in a band is that you might be having your day when you feel like quitting, but at least two other people aren't.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; "felt like quitting" is suitable for both formal and informal settings, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "felt like quitting" when the person actually quit. The phrase implies a feeling that was overcome, not acted upon. If the person quit, use "decided to quit" or "ended up quitting" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "felt like quitting" functions as a verb phrase expressing a sentiment or inclination. It describes a feeling of wanting to stop or abandon something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "felt like quitting" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong urge to give up. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and it is found across varied sources, including news, wikis and scientific publications. While versatile, it is most suitable for neutral to informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider options such as "considered giving up" or "contemplated resignation". A key point to remember is that "felt like quitting" describes a feeling that was resisted, not an action that was taken.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost gave up

Indicates proximity to quitting, suggesting a near miss.

considered giving up

Focuses on the act of contemplating abandonment; less impulsive than the original phrase.

was on the verge of quitting

Emphasizes the closeness to the act of quitting.

was tempted to quit

Highlights the allurement of giving up, suggesting a struggle against the desire.

contemplated resignation

A more formal synonym of 'considered giving up', usually in a professional context.

had the urge to resign

Specifically implies a formal withdrawal, often from a job or position.

wanted to throw in the towel

Uses an idiomatic expression indicating defeat and surrender.

nearly threw in the towel

Like 'wanted to throw in the towel' but emphasizes nearness.

thought about abandoning

Focuses on leaving something behind, suggesting a sense of responsibility.

had half a mind to quit

Expresses a wavering intention, suggesting uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "felt like quitting" to express a strong urge to give up on something. For example, "After hours of struggling with the problem, I "felt like quitting"."

What are some alternatives to "felt like quitting"?

Some alternatives include "considered giving up", "was tempted to quit", or "almost gave up", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "felt like quitting" can be used in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or nuanced phrase like "contemplated resignation" would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "felt like quitting" and "felt like giving up"?

While similar, "felt like quitting" often implies a specific task or job, while "felt like giving up" is more general, referring to a broader sense of hopelessness. For example, "I "felt like quitting" my job" versus "I "felt like giving up" on my dreams".