felt worthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "felt worthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of deservingness or value in a particular situation or context. Example: "After receiving the award, I finally felt worthy of the recognition I had worked so hard for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Nobody felt worthy to challenge him.

The Economist

A tiered mini-dress design of bouncy pleats felt worthy of the disco soundtrack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I felt worthy of being cherished and knew I'd do whatever it took to survive.

The Guardian

It is based on kami, a ubiquitous word sometimes translated as "gods" or "spirits" but meaning, finally, anything felt worthy of reverence.

The New Yorker

But, sad to say (though good for the credibility of the prize), no recipient was felt worthy in 2009 and 2010.

The Economist

The incident occurred after a tackle from Northampton lock Courtney Lawes on Toby Flood which Cockerill, who was concerned for the welfare of his injured fly-half, felt worthy of a yellow card and referral to the television match official.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Now, I feel worthy".

The New York Times

Usually, on some level they don't feel worthy".

The New York Times

All in all, an excuse to drink and feel worthy about it.

The New York Times

One piece, which is not strictly musical or critical, feels worthy of citation today.

The New Yorker

It's a cunning misdirect, and a gambit that feels worthy of him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "felt worthy" to convey a sense of deservingness after achieving a goal or receiving recognition. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the emotional aspect of finally believing in your own value or accomplishments.

Common error

Avoid using "felt worthy" when you mean "felt entitled". "Felt worthy" implies a deserved sense of value, while "felt entitled" suggests a belief in being owed something without necessarily earning it. Using the latter inappropriately can convey arrogance or a lack of self-awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "felt worthy" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It expresses a subjective feeling of deservingness or value. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Huffington Post

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "felt worthy" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of deservingness or value. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized in various contexts. While closely related to phrases like "felt deserving" and "felt valuable", "felt worthy" often carries a nuanced emphasis on inner validation. Its frequency and presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its reliability and appropriateness in both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of earned value rather than unearned entitlement. By understanding its context and nuances, writers can effectively use "felt worthy" to communicate a powerful emotional sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt deserving

This alternative directly replaces "worthy" with "deserving", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

felt valuable

This alternative focuses on the sense of personal worth or significance, rather than meeting a specific standard.

felt adequate

This alternative emphasizes a sense of being sufficient or good enough for a particular purpose or situation.

felt good enough

This alternative expresses a more general sense of self-acceptance and competence.

felt validated

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of having one's worth or opinions confirmed by others.

felt entitled

While similar to feeling deserving, this can carry a negative connotation of believing one is inherently owed something.

felt competent

This alternative focuses on possessing the necessary skills and knowledge to perform well.

felt up to the task

This alternative is more specific, indicating confidence in one's ability to handle a particular challenge.

felt appreciated

This alternative highlights the feeling of being valued and recognized for one's contributions or qualities.

felt equal to the occasion

This alternative highlights a sense of readiness and competence in a specific situation or event.

FAQs

How can I use "felt worthy" in a sentence?

You can use "felt worthy" to express a sense of deservingness or value. For example, "After years of hard work, she "felt worthy" of the promotion".

What is the difference between "felt worthy" and "felt deserving"?

"Felt worthy" and "felt deserving" are very similar, but "felt worthy" might carry a slightly deeper sense of personal value, while "felt deserving" focuses more on receiving something due to merit or effort. They are often interchangeable, though.

What are some alternative phrases for "felt worthy"?

Alternatives include "felt valuable", "felt adequate", or "felt good enough", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I felt worthy enough"?

While grammatically correct, "I felt worthy enough" can sometimes sound slightly awkward. It is often more natural to simply say "I "felt worthy"" or rephrase the sentence for better flow.