how something feels

USAGE SUMMARY

"how something feels" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the subjective sensations or emotions associated with an experience. For example, "She wasn't sure how it felt to be respected by her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I hear lots of people say it feels so good, they say it's like a feeling, but it's hard to explain how something feels.

Vice

"I can't wear the clothes, so I'll ask 10 different guys how something feels on instead".

The New York Times

"I can't wear it, so I'll go through and ask 10 different guys how something feels on.

The New York Times

Lots of people have resonance with it – which is helpful when you're trying to distil how something feels.

Independent

Hunter clearly feels things -- he has his moods -- but he cannot explain to others how something feels to him.

The New York Times

An investment, maybe, "but it will form to your body and become the most comfortable thing you've ever worn". Twill chinos, or cotton pants woven in a diagonal pattern, tend to be more durable than other cotton pants, but are also a lot more comfortable, Baugh said".Men are starting to care more about how something feels when they wear it.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Relying on how often you've heard something to judge how truthful something feels is just one strategy.

BBC

"How do you make something feel bigger?

The New Yorker

"Now it almost doesn't matter how something smells or feels or changes in different light.

The New Yorker

But while many consumers are actively hunting for ethically produced fashion, retailers understand that it is "first and foremost how something looks and feels that is ultimately going to solidify the deal.

Forbes

(If that's the case, we could all use a little more femininity). And women are often mocked for being too sensitive or "emotional," when many times they're just sharing an honest opinion of how something made them feel.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, specify 'something' with a tangible or relatable subject, for example, "how success feels" or "how loss feels".

Common error

Don't leave "something" undefined; always clarify what is causing the feeling for better reader comprehension and impact. For example, instead of "how something feels", specify "how betrayal feels".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how something feels" typically functions as a noun clause or adverbial clause, providing descriptive detail about an experience or sensation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It serves to introduce subjective impressions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how something feels" serves as a crucial tool for expressing subjective experiences and inviting emotional connection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As illustrated by Ludwig, it functions primarily within news and media contexts, but also finds applications in academic and wiki settings. To maximize clarity, always ensure the 'something' in question is clearly defined, and aim for tangible subjects to enhance the phrase's impact. Keep in mind that while subtle variations exist, alternatives like "what something feels like" share a similar purpose, differing primarily in emphasis. By understanding the nuances and contexts of this phrase, writers can effectively convey sensations, fostering deeper understanding and empathy with their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what something feels like

Focuses on the descriptive aspect of the sensation rather than the process of feeling.

the sensation of something

Emphasizes the physical or emotional sensation derived from an experience.

the experience of something

Highlights the overall experience, which includes feelings but is broader.

how it feels to experience something

Adds emphasis on the personal experience of feeling, making it more direct.

the emotional impact of something

Concentrates specifically on the emotional effects or consequences.

the subjective feeling of something

Explicitly points out that the feeling is personal and based on individual perception.

the way something affects you

Shifts the focus to the impact an experience has on an individual.

your perception of something

Highlights personal interpretation and understanding, which shapes the feeling.

how you experience something

Focuses on the personal manner of experiencing an event or sensation.

the feeling associated with something

Highlights the connection between a particular feeling and a specific thing or event.

FAQs

How can I use "how something feels" in a sentence?

You can use "how something feels" to describe a subjective experience or sensation. For example: "She tried to describe "how freedom feels" after years of oppression".

What are some alternatives to using "how something feels"?

Alternatives include "what something feels like", "the sensation of something", or "the emotional impact of something", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Each option emphasizes slightly different aspects of the experience.

Is it correct to say "how does something feel" instead of "how something feels"?

While "how does something feel" is grammatically correct as a question, "how something feels" functions as a relative clause or part of a statement. The choice depends on whether you're asking a question or making a descriptive statement.

What's the difference between "how something feels" and "how someone feels"?

"How something feels" refers to the sensation or experience associated with a thing or situation, whereas "how someone feels" describes a person's emotional state or opinion. For instance, "how success feels" versus "how she feels about the project".