inner feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

"inner feelings" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the raw emotions and reactions that people experience from the inside of their being. For example: "My inner feelings told me to take the job, so I did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yoga is about your inner feelings about yourself.

Independent

He's always written his words down, his inner feelings.

The New York Times - Sports

Absorption proper, consisting of absorption, rich fantasy life, aesthetic sensitivity, and awareness of inner feelings.

University of California, Berkeley

Yet very few will ever translate their inner feelings of anger into outward expressions of violence.

Harvard Business Review

There is no doubt that the first picture reflects Brown's inner feelings.

The Guardian - Opinion

I love to draw it out of them, because they have strong inner feelings.

The New York Times

Only once, to his astonishment, was Vedernikov able to draw him out about his inner feelings.

The Guardian - Music

And they appreciate therapy, even though they are in businesses that traditionally scorned sharing inner feelings.

The New York Times

You will not get many players relaying those sorts of inner feelings.

The Guardian - Sport

This busy objectivity can disguise your inner feelings and your sensitivity to those you like to be with.

Independent

Gail: Once you're done being president you tend to want to defend your record more than plumb your inner feelings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inner feelings" to describe subjective emotional experiences, particularly when emphasizing authenticity or difficulty in expressing them. For example, you might say, "She struggled to articulate her inner feelings about the loss."

Common error

Avoid assuming that external behavior directly reflects "inner feelings". People often mask their true emotions. It's more accurate to state that behavior may be an indication of underlying feelings, rather than a definitive representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inner feelings" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the subjective, emotional experiences within an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to describe raw emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inner feelings" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a person's subjective emotional experiences. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, from News & Media to Science, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, it is essential to remember, as highlighted in the writing guidance, that external behavior doesn't always accurately reflect these "inner feelings". Alternatives such as "internal emotions" or "personal sentiments" can be used for variety, but "inner feelings" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal feelings

Highlights the individual and subjective nature of the feelings.

internal emotions

Emphasizes the emotional aspect originating from within a person.

deepest emotions

Highlights the intensity and depth of the feelings.

private emotions

Emphasizes the personal and confidential nature of the feelings.

personal sentiments

Highlights the private and subjective nature of the feelings.

innermost thoughts

Focuses on the private thoughts and reflections within a person's mind.

raw emotions

Emphasizes the unprocessed and intense nature of the emotions.

hidden emotions

Implies that the feelings are concealed or not openly expressed.

subconscious feelings

Refers to feelings that are not fully conscious or aware.

gut feelings

Indicates intuitive or instinctive feelings, often based on a sense rather than logic.

FAQs

How can I use "inner feelings" in a sentence?

You can use "inner feelings" to describe a person's subjective emotional state. For example: "Despite his outward calm, he was experiencing intense inner feelings of anxiety", or "Yoga is about your inner feelings about yourself".

What are some alternatives to "inner feelings"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "internal emotions", "deepest emotions", or "personal sentiments".

Is it redundant to say "inner feelings"?

While all feelings are technically internal, "inner feelings" emphasizes the personal and subjective nature of the emotions, distinguishing them from outward appearances or expressed sentiments. It is not necessarily redundant if you want to stress the internal aspect.

How do "inner feelings" differ from "outer expressions"?

"Inner feelings" refer to a person's private emotional state, while "outer expressions" are the visible behaviors or communications that may or may not accurately reflect those feelings. Someone might mask their inner feelings with a smile, for example.