it felt that

USAGE SUMMARY

'it felt that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an opinion or feeling regarding a particular situation. For example, "It felt that the concert was a success despite the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It felt that way.

The Economist

But it felt that bad.

The New Yorker

It hadn't, but it felt that way.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it felt that way, for some.

The New Yorker

At least it felt that way.

The New Yorker

At least, it felt that way to me.

The Economist

But it felt that way in the theatre.

The Guardian

It felt that way because that is what it was.

The Guardian - Opinion

It didn't exactly look like drudgery vs. escape, but it felt that way.

The New Yorker

Of course not, but to many Mexican fans, it felt that way.

The New Yorker

It felt that way because of 5 vs. 4, not 5 vs. 5.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it felt that" to convey a subjective experience or perception, especially when describing an atmosphere or situation. For example, "It felt that everyone was holding their breath as the results were announced."

Common error

While "it felt that" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less assertive. Consider using stronger verbs or more direct statements to convey the same meaning. For instance, instead of "It felt that the project was failing", try "The project appeared to be failing" or "Evidence suggested the project's failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it felt that" functions as a subjective reporting clause. It introduces a statement that expresses a feeling, impression, or perception, often based on personal experience or observation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the structure is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it felt that" serves as a valuable tool for expressing subjective feelings and perceptions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While it conveys a neutral tone, it's important to be mindful of overuse in formal writing and consider stronger alternatives when appropriate. The phrase's purpose is to communicate a viewpoint based on personal experience, differentiating it from objective statements. Remember to use this versatile phrase to enrich your writing with personal impressions and interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed that

Replaces "felt" with "seemed", emphasizing an appearance or impression rather than a direct feeling.

it appeared that

Similar to "seemed that", but with a slightly more formal tone, suggesting an observation or deduction.

it gave the impression that

More descriptive, explicitly stating that something created a specific impression.

it was as if

Introduces a hypothetical comparison to illustrate the feeling or perception.

one got the sense that

Focuses on the subjective feeling or intuition of the observer.

it had the feeling of

Highlights the overall atmosphere or sensation associated with something.

it left the impression

Emphasizes the lasting impact or effect of something on someone's perception.

one could sense that

Suggests an almost intuitive awareness of something, often subtle or unspoken.

the atmosphere suggested that

Attributes the feeling to the surrounding environment or situation.

everything indicated that

Shifts the focus to external signs or evidence supporting a particular feeling or conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "it felt that" in a sentence?

Use "it felt that" to express a subjective impression or feeling about a situation. For example, "It felt that the meeting was unproductive", indicating your personal perception.

What are some alternatives to "it felt that"?

Alternatives include "it seemed that", "it appeared that", or "it gave the impression that", offering different nuances in expressing a perception.

Is it correct to say "it felt like" instead of "it felt that"?

While "it felt like" is also common, "it felt that" is generally more suitable when followed by a clause expressing a specific thought or idea. "It felt like" is often used for more general comparisons, such as "it felt like yesterday".

What's the difference between "it felt that" and "I felt that"?

"It felt that" often implies a shared or general impression, while "I felt that" emphasizes a personal feeling or opinion. The first is often used when describing an atmosphere or situation, whereas the second emphasizes an individual's internal experience.