it feels only right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it feels only right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of moral or emotional correctness about a decision or action. Example: "After all the hard work we've put in, it feels only right to celebrate our success together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"She's an essential part of this city; it feels only right for her to narrate the story".

The Guardian

"We've had a death in the family," said the evening's host, rapper LL Cool J. "It feels only right to begin with a prayer for … our fallen sister".

The Guardian - Music

But before those questions are answered, it feels only right to look at back at 12 years of brilliant writing, inedible characters and excruciating moments – welcome to our Peep Show miscellany … 1.

Independent

Two hundred years after her death, it feels only right to celebrate both Austen's cultural ascendancy, which continues to balloon, and the genius of her novels, which hasn't changed or diminished in two centuries.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And it was the same feeling seeing the photo of my great grandma, so it felt only right to post it there on r/lastimages with the rest".

Vice

It felt only right that if we were cutting down on paper (by 80%) we shouldn't be producing a paper-based souvenir programme.

The Guardian

It felt only right to combine the two".

Huffington Post

Given that acid house seems to be on everyone's lips at the moment, it felt only right to ask one of the men who made that cultural shift here in the UK feasible what he thought about the likes of Seth Troxler deciding to bring the sound, and hopefully the smiley faced acid attitude, back.

Vice

As a man of Indian origin, it feels only good, right and proper that the food of my foremothers and fathers is at the very heart of the rescue package Darling has drawn up.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, for one to hit Rosberg in Singapore and even things up a bit more, allow Hamilton to take a relatively comfortable victory and turn a 22-point deficit into a small lead with five races remaining, felt only right.

BBC

Because the "big idea" that it put forward was so new and exciting, subsequent authors writing on time travel felt it only right that their own work in the sub-genre should give a nod to Wells, either by using his characters or riffing on his visions of the future.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the level of formality when using this phrase. While generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for less formal contexts than alternatives like "it seems appropriate".

Common error

While "it feels only right" is generally acceptable, it can sound too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for alternatives like "it is appropriate" or "it is fitting" to maintain a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it feels only right" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of moral obligation or strong appropriateness. As Ludwig indicates, it suggests that a particular action is not just acceptable, but also emotionally or ethically compelling. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its role in expressing a justified course of action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it feels only right" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of moral obligation or strong appropriateness. Ludwig confirms that it's suitable for expressing a justified course of action. While generally considered neutral in tone, it leans slightly towards informal and is frequently found in News & Media contexts. For formal settings, consider using alternatives like "it is appropriate". The related phrases, writing guidance, and FAQ sections provide further insights into its usage and potential substitutions, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems fitting

This alternative uses 'fitting' to convey the sense of appropriateness, rather than a feeling of moral correctness.

it seems appropriate

Replaces 'feels right' with 'seems appropriate', focusing on the suitability of the action.

it is only fitting

Uses 'fitting' instead of 'right' to express appropriateness or suitability.

it's the right thing to do

Focuses on the moral correctness of the action, rather than a feeling.

it's only fair

Emphasizes fairness and justice as the reason for the action.

it's what should be done

Focuses on the necessity and obligation of the action.

it's the proper course of action

Highlights the correctness and suitability of the action.

it's only just

Emphasizes the just and equitable nature of the action.

it aligns with our values

Connects the action to a set of principles or beliefs.

it resonates with my sense of ethics

Personalizes the feeling of moral correctness.

FAQs

How can I use "it feels only right" in a sentence?

Use "it feels only right" to express a sense of moral or emotional obligation or appropriateness. For example, "After receiving such generous support, "it feels only right" to give back to the community".

What can I say instead of "it feels only right"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems fitting", "it seems appropriate", or "it is only fitting" depending on the context.

Is "it feels only right" formal or informal?

"It feels only right" is generally considered neutral but leans towards informal. In highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "it is appropriate" or "it is fitting".

What's the difference between "it feels only right" and "it is the right thing to do"?

"It feels only right" emphasizes a personal feeling of obligation or appropriateness, whereas "it's the right thing to do" focuses more on the moral correctness of an action, regardless of personal feelings.