may feel like

USAGE SUMMARY

"may feel like" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a likely feeling or sensation. For example, "When I'm feeling overwhelmed with all my work, it may feel like I'm sinking under the weight of it all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, you may feel like a loser.

The New Yorker

Watch yourself; you may feel like saluting.

The New York Times - Arts

They may feel like they're stupid".

The New York Times

You may feel like doing it, too.

The Guardian - Film

But around the side, you may feel like weeping.

The New York Times

That may feel like a bonanza given the current climate.

The New York Times

We may feel like that about iTunes one day.

The Guardian - Business

In response, loyal filmgoers may feel like moving.

The New York Times

"You may feel like you have to, but you don't".

The Guardian

Fans may feel like they're enduring a game.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, it may feel like it's about you!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may feel like" to describe subjective experiences or sensations that are likely but not certain. For example, "After running a marathon, your legs may feel like jelly."

Common error

Avoid using "may feel like" when describing objective facts or certainties. Instead of saying "The sun may feel like it rises in the east", use "The sun rises in the east."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may feel like" functions as a modal expression indicating a potential sensation or perception. It suggests a subjective experience that is likely but not definite. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase conveys a possible feeling, not a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Huffington Post

11%

Less common in

Forbes

3%

Independent

3%

BBC

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may feel like" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a potential sensation or emotional state. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register allows it to be used across various contexts, from news articles to informal guides. While alternatives like "might resemble" or "could seem as if" exist, "may feel like" effectively conveys a sense of likelihood without certainty. Remember to use it to describe subjective experiences and avoid using it when stating objective facts. Ludwig's extensive examples showcase its prevalence in contemporary writing, solidifying its place as a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be experienced as

Highlights the subjective nature of an experience.

could seem as if

Highlights the apparent nature of something, rather than the inherent feeling.

may create a sense of

Focuses on the creation of a particular sensation or emotion.

might give the impression of

Focuses on the impression created, distancing from the actual feeling.

might engender a feeling of

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between something and a feeling.

could be perceived as

Emphasizes the subjective interpretation of something, rather than a direct feeling.

might strike one as

Indicates a subjective impression or judgment, rather than a concrete feeling.

might resemble

Suggests a similarity in appearance or characteristics, shifting the focus from feeling to visual resemblance.

could be likened to

Suggests a comparison or analogy, focusing on resemblance rather than direct feeling.

may appear to be

Shifts the focus to outward appearance, rather than internal sensation.

FAQs

How can I use "may feel like" in a sentence?

You can use "may feel like" to express a sensation or emotion that someone is likely to experience. For example, "Losing a loved one "may seem like" the end of the world at first."

What are some alternatives to "may feel like"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "might resemble", "could seem as if", or "might give the impression of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "may feel as" instead of "may feel like"?

While "may feel as if" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, "may feel like" is more common and often sounds more natural in contemporary English. The phrase "may feel as", without the "if", is not standard English.

What's the difference between "may feel like" and "might feel like"?

Both "may feel like" and "might feel like" express possibility. "May" suggests a slightly higher degree of likelihood than "might", but in most contexts, they are interchangeable.