in my bones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in my bones" is correct and common in written English.
It means to have a strong feeling or belief about something, often based on intuition or deep knowledge. It can also refer to a physical sensation in one's bones. Example: "I knew in my bones that something was wrong with the plan, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it." This sentence shows the use of "in my bones" to indicate a strong intuition or feeling about a situation. Other examples include: - "She had a deep understanding of the culture, as if it was ingrained in her bones." - "After years of practice, playing the piano was in his bones." - "I could feel the cold in my bones as I stepped outside into the winter air." - "As a mother, the love for my child is in my bones." - "He was always a rebel, it was just in his bones to challenge authority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's in my bones.

The New York Times

Pessimism is in my bones.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It burned like fire in my bones".

The New Yorker

"I could feel it in my bones".

The New York Times

In my bones, I believe in equality".

The New York Times

It was always in my bones.

The Guardian - Film

It is deep in my bones.

The Guardian - Arts

I recognised it in my bones".

The Guardian - Books

It lives deep in my bones.

The Guardian

I feel it in my bones.

The Guardian - Opinion

I felt those poems in my bones.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in my bones" to convey a profound, intuitive understanding or a deeply ingrained feeling that goes beyond logical reasoning. It adds a layer of personal conviction to your statement.

Common error

While "in my bones" effectively conveys strong personal feelings, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing. It can sound too informal or subjective in contexts requiring objectivity or detailed analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in my bones" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the depth or intensity of a feeling, belief, or understanding. Ludwig AI's examples show its use to indicate an intuitive sense or ingrained conviction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in my bones" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a deep-seated feeling or intuitive understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, particularly in news and media, to convey a profound sense of certainty. While its use is generally considered neutral to informal, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal contexts. Alternatives like "I have a gut feeling" or "intuitively understand" can provide similar emphasis. Using "in my bones" adds a layer of personal conviction, but should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly subjective in objective settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deep down, I feel

Focuses on an inner feeling or conviction rather than an ingrained understanding.

I instinctively feel

Highlights the intuitive nature of the feeling, emphasizing a gut reaction.

It's ingrained in me

Emphasizes the idea that something is deeply rooted in one's character or nature.

I have a gut feeling

Indicates an intuitive sense or hunch, often without concrete evidence.

I inherently believe

Stresses the intrinsic nature of a belief, suggesting it's a fundamental part of one's being.

It's part of my nature

Highlights that something is integral to one's character or personality.

I'm deeply convinced

Emphasizes the strength and depth of a conviction.

I strongly sense

Conveys a powerful intuition or feeling about something.

It resonates with me deeply

Indicates that something evokes a strong emotional or intellectual connection.

I intuitively understand

Focuses on an immediate and direct understanding without conscious reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "in my bones" in a sentence?

You can use "in my bones" to express a deep-seated feeling or belief, such as "I knew "in my bones" that the decision was wrong" or "The love for my family is "in my bones"".

What does it mean when someone says something is "in my bones"?

When someone says something is "in my bones", it means they have a strong, intuitive feeling or belief about it. It implies a deep-seated understanding or conviction that goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge.

What are some alternatives to "in my bones"?

Alternatives to "in my bones" include expressing that you "have a gut feeling", "intuitively know", or "deeply feel" something.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "in my bones" in formal writing?

While "in my bones" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or analytical language to convey the same sentiment, such as "I am deeply convinced" or "I have a strong conviction".