know the feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

"know the feeling" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that the speaker understands or relates to a certain feeling or emotion that has been described. Example: "I hate Mondays. I always feel so tired and unmotivated on the first day of the week." Response: "I know the feeling. Mondays can be tough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know the feeling.

The New York Times

I know the feeling.

The New York Times

You know the feeling - panic.

The New York Times

The Cardinals know the feeling.

The New York Times - Sports

Gym enthusiasts know the feeling.

Independent

@SonnyBWilliams I know the feeling.

Independent

Know the feeling?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Know the feeling, mate.

The Guardian - Music

Many children of hoarders know the feeling.

The New York Times

Colts fans know the feeling.

The New York Times - Sports

Assange may know the feeling.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know the feeling" to express empathy and build rapport with your audience or conversation partner. It acknowledges their experience and creates a sense of shared understanding.

Common error

While "know the feeling" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and professional expressions of understanding when writing reports or communicating with superiors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know the feeling" functions as an empathetic response, indicating that the speaker shares or understands the emotion or experience described by another person. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage for expressing solidarity and building rapport.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

4%

HuffPost

4%

Less common in

Los Angeles Times

3%

The New Yorker

3%

Forbes

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "know the feeling" is a common and versatile expression used to convey empathy and understanding. Ludwig AI analysis, based on numerous examples, confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally appropriate for neutral to informal settings, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional communication. Use "know the feeling" to connect with others and acknowledge their experiences, but be mindful of the context and choose language that aligns with the overall tone and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I can relate to that

Uses 'relate' instead of 'know the feeling' suggesting a shared experience.

I understand how that is

Emphasizes understanding the described state.

I've been there

Implies a personal experience of a similar situation.

That resonates with me

Indicates a feeling of connection or agreement with the sentiment.

I sympathize with that

Highlights empathy towards the feeling.

I feel you on that

A more informal way to express understanding and shared feeling.

I share that sentiment

Expresses agreement and understanding of the feeling.

It's a familiar feeling

Focuses on the commonality and recognition of the feeling.

I'm acquainted with that feeling

A more formal way of saying you've experienced that feeling before.

I've experienced something similar

Focuses on having a comparable experience, not necessarily the exact feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "know the feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "know the feeling" to express empathy or understanding when someone describes an experience or emotion. For example, if someone says they are stressed, you can respond with "I know the feeling".

What's a more formal alternative to "know the feeling"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "I understand your perspective", "I empathize with that", or "I appreciate your situation".

Is it appropriate to use "know the feeling" in professional emails?

It depends on your relationship with the recipient. If you have a close rapport, it might be acceptable. Otherwise, consider more formal expressions of understanding.

What can I say instead of "know the feeling" to show more specific empathy?

Instead of just saying "know the feeling", try describing what you understand. For example, "I understand how frustrating that must be" or "I can see why you're feeling overwhelmed".