have been feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used when speaking about an emotional state that has been experienced over a period of time. For example: "I have been feeling overwhelmed and stressed with all of the work I have to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I have been feeling marginal and alone".

The New Yorker

Of late, consumers have been feeling better.

The New York Times

"But I have been feeling better and I have been feeling healthy".

The New York Times - Sports

"I have been feeling good in the mountains".

The New York Times - Sports

Lately, the Davises have been feeling especially under pressure.

The New York Times

I may have been feeling really down that day.

The Guardian - Music

He must have been feeling shame at some level.

The New York Times - Magazine

But lately they have been feeling battle fatigue.

The New York Times - Style

No wonder liberal Americans have been feeling so blue.

The Guardian

Few residents or employees have been feeling festive lately.

The New York Times

They have been feeling restless, wanting to go home, longing to get back to normal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been feeling", ensure the tense aligns with the timeframe you are describing. For example, use it to describe feelings experienced over a period of time leading up to the present.

Common error

Avoid abruptly switching tenses when describing feelings. If you start with "have been feeling", maintain consistency or provide a clear reason for a tense shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been feeling" functions as the main verb in a sentence, indicating a continuous state of experiencing a particular emotion or sensation. As Ludwig indicates, it is commonly used to express emotional states over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been feeling" is a versatile phrase used to describe ongoing emotional or physical states. As verified by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. While alternatives exist, the phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey duration and context. Avoid inconsistent tense usage and consider your specific context when choosing between alternatives. Use "have been feeling" when you need to highlight an emotional state experienced over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have experienced

Emphasizes the undergoing of a sensation or emotion.

have recognized

Stresses the acknowledgement or identification of a particular feeling.

have sensed

Focuses on intuitive or perceptive feelings rather than overt emotions.

have been aware of

Focuses on conscious recognition of a feeling.

have identified with

Highlights the connection or empathy towards a specific feeling.

have undergone

Highlights a process or transformation related to one's feelings.

have resonated with

Emphasizes the alignment or harmony with a particular feeling.

have noticed

Implies an awareness or realization of a feeling.

have had the impression of

Indicates a vague or uncertain feeling.

have observed

Suggests a more detached or analytical observation of one's feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "have been feeling" in a sentence?

Use "have been feeling" to describe a continuous emotional state, such as "I "have been feeling anxious" lately" or "They "have been feeling optimistic" about the future".

What are some alternatives to "have been feeling"?

Alternatives include "have experienced", "have sensed", or "have undergone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am feeling" instead of "I have been feeling"?

Both are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "I am feeling" typically refers to a current, immediate emotion, while "I "have been feeling"" describes an emotion experienced over a period of time.

What's the difference between "I felt" and "I have been feeling"?

"I felt" refers to a specific, completed instance of feeling something, while "I "have been feeling"" indicates a continued emotional state over a period of time. For example, "I felt sad yesterday" versus "I "have been feeling" sad for the past week".