it feels right

USAGE SUMMARY

"it feels right" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing a feeling or intuition that something is correct or appropriate. Example: After hours of debating, I finally made my decision. It wasn't the most logical choice, but it just felt right.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its when it feels right".

The Guardian - Film

It feels right to me.

The New Yorker

"It feels right," she added.

The New York Times - Sports

"It feels right at 49".

The New York Times

"It feels right," Bosh said.

The New York Times - Sports

It feels right.' " MARGAUX LASKEY.

The New York Times

"This time it feels right".

The New York Times

Yeah, it feels right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it feels right.

The Guardian - Sport

"It feels right," said Dr. McNabney.

The New York Times

"I like how it feels right here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand why something 'feels right'. This might involve explaining the underlying values, beliefs, or past experiences that inform your intuition.

Common error

Avoid using "it feels right" as a standalone justification without further explanation. While intuition is valuable, relying solely on feelings without providing context or reasoning can make your argument seem weak or irrational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it feels right" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express a subjective sense of correctness, suitability, or alignment. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in contexts where individuals are describing decisions, experiences, or perceptions that resonate with their inner feelings or intuition. It reflects a reliance on personal judgment rather than purely objective criteria.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it feels right" is a common idiom used to express a subjective sense of correctness or suitability, often based on intuition rather than purely logical reasoning. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news and media, academic writings and wiki articles. While generally considered neutral in register, its use should be accompanied by sufficient context to provide a solid justification for trusting your inner feelings. Remember that relying solely on the phrase without further explanation might weaken your argument. When looking for alternative expressions, consider phrases like "it rings true" or "it seems appropriate" to add nuance. Overall, Ludwig emphasizes the importance of balancing intuitive feelings with rational considerations, making this phrase a potent tool for expressing personal conviction and validation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it instinctively feels correct

Highlights the instinctual aspect of perceiving something as right.

it rings true

Emphasizes the authenticity or veracity of something.

it seems appropriate

Implies a more objective assessment of suitability.

it is a good fit

Indicates suitability or compatibility.

it resonates well

Suggests a deeper, more emotional connection or agreement.

it aligns perfectly

Highlights agreement or correspondence.

it sits well

Indicates a comfortable or agreeable fit.

it strikes a chord

Highlights an emotional connection or resonance.

it intuitively makes sense

Emphasizes the instinctive understanding of something.

it clicks into place

Suggests a sense of understanding or resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "it feels right" to express a sense of intuition or correctness about a decision or action. For example: "I don't know why, but moving to the countryside just "it feels right"."

What are some alternatives to "it feels right"?

Some alternatives include "it seems appropriate", "it rings true", or "it is a good fit", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it feels right" in formal writing?

While "it feels right" is generally acceptable, it's often more appropriate in formal writing to provide a more detailed explanation of the reasoning behind a decision, rather than relying solely on intuition. However, in narrative or descriptive writing, it can be used effectively to convey a character's internal state or motivations.

What does it mean when someone says "it feels right"?

When someone says ""it feels right"", it usually means they have an intuitive sense that something is correct, appropriate, or aligned with their values, even if they can't fully articulate the reasons why.