it can feel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can feel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sensation, emotion, or perception that someone might experience. Example: "During the winter months, it can feel quite isolating when the days are short and dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can feel inescapable.

The New York Times

It can feel almost subversive.

The New Yorker

And it can feel exclusionary.

The New York Times - Travel

It can feel slippery.

The Guardian - Music

It can feel uncomfortable.

The Guardian

It can feel exciting.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can feel a bit dismissive.

Independent

It can feel so tiny sometimes!

The New York Times

"It can feel like dorm living".

The New York Times

So it can feel hurtful.

The Guardian

Sometimes it can feel overwhelming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can feel" to describe subjective experiences or emotions, making your writing more relatable and evocative.

Common error

Avoid using "it can feel" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise and objective language is preferred. Opt for stronger verbs or more specific descriptions of the phenomenon you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can feel" functions as a subjective descriptor, allowing the speaker to express a personal sensation or emotion. It is used to convey how something is experienced, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can feel" is a versatile phrase used to express subjective feelings or sensations. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, academia, and informal writing. While it is appropriate in many situations, it's important to consider the level of formality required and adjust the language accordingly, possibly opting for more precise language in formal or scientific writing. Using related phrases such as "it may seem" or "it is perceived as" can help to refine your meaning. Overall, "it can feel" is a useful tool for conveying personal experiences and emotions in a relatable way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may seem

Replaces 'can feel' with 'may seem', indicating a possibility rather than a direct sensation.

it might appear

Substitutes 'can feel' with 'might appear', suggesting an outward impression.

it is often sensed as

Replaces 'can feel' with 'is often sensed as', emphasizing a sensory experience.

it is perceived as

Replaces the experiential 'can feel' with a more formal and objective 'is perceived as'.

one could interpret it as

Introduces an element of interpretation or subjectivity.

it gives the impression of

Changes the focus from feeling to the impression something creates.

it comes across as

Focuses on how something is received or understood by others.

one might experience

Shifts from a general statement to a hypothetical personal experience.

the sensation is that of

Highlights the sensation associated with an experience.

it has the effect of

Focuses on the consequence or impact rather than the feeling itself.

FAQs

How can I use "it can feel" in a sentence?

Use "it can feel" to describe a subjective emotion or sensation. For example, "After a long day, "it can feel exhausting"".

What are some alternatives to "it can feel"?

You can use alternatives like "it may seem", "it might appear", or "it is perceived as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it can feels"?

No, the correct phrase is "it can feel". The modal verb "can" is always followed by the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "it can feel" and "it feels"?

"It feels" describes a current, definite sensation, while "it can feel" describes a potential or possible sensation. For example, "it feels warm in here" vs "it can feel cold in the winter".