not feeling so well

USAGE SUMMARY

"not feeling so well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate that you are feeling slightly unwell or not feeling your best. For example: "I think I should stay home today. I'm not feeling so well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But how I feel affects me very much, and when I'm not feeling so well and I'm tired, then I don't have the energy to do things I usually do and I feel pretty bad Female (SEIQoL-DR, think aloud) The participants' thoughts about nominating leisure resulted in two thematic categories, i.e. 'leisure' and 'leisure limited by cancer'.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

But how I feel affects me very much, and when I'm not feeling so well and I'm tired, then I don't have the energy to do things I usually do and I feel pretty bad Female (SEIQoL-DR, think aloud) P50: Yes, well, it's all about you feeling well and being fine; when I do, then I am happy.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"Not feeling so well today?" she said.

The New Yorker

"I'm not feeling so well.

The New Yorker

I have to admit, I'm not feeling so well myself.

The New Yorker

You know, because then you sort of say, like, "Well, maybe she's not feeling so well --" -- constitutional rights matter more?

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Thursday I wasn't feeling so well so went to the doctor's.

The Guardian

"I wasn't feeling so well but that's not an excuse.

The Guardian - Sport

I wasn't feeling so well when I started this video. .

Vice

"When our forklift wasn't feeling so well, John Evans from down the street let us borrow his".

Huffington Post

This also helps you to clean up quickly when you aren't feeling so well.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not feeling so well", consider the context. It's suitable for casual conversations and informal writing. For formal settings, opt for phrases like "experiencing health issues" or "under the weather".

Common error

Avoid using "not feeling so well" in formal documents or professional communications. Instead, use more professional language such as "I am experiencing a health issue" or "I am indisposed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not feeling so well" functions as a subjective description of one's health status. It communicates a state of being unwell, though often mildly or temporarily. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in everyday conversation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not feeling so well" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a state of mild unwellness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for casual and informal contexts. While widely understood, it's best to opt for more formal alternatives like "experiencing health issues" in professional settings. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media and Science, as confirmed by the provided examples. When considering related phrases, options like ""not feeling very well"" offer similar meaning with slight variations in intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not feeling very well

Uses "very" instead of "so" to intensify the feeling of unwellness; maintains a similar level of formality and directness.

a little sick

A more direct and simple way of saying not feeling well, often used when the illness is minor.

under the weather

An idiomatic expression indicating mild illness or feeling unwell; less direct than the original phrase.

feeling poorly

A more formal way of saying not feeling well; carries a slightly more serious tone.

not at my best

Indicates a state of reduced physical or mental capability; more general than specifying unwellness.

a bit off color

Suggests a slight illness or feeling unwell, often implying a change from one's usual state.

not up to par

Suggests a state below the usual standard of performance or well-being; commonly used in a professional context.

not myself today

Implies a temporary deviation from one's normal state of being; can be due to physical or emotional reasons.

not in good shape

Implies a lack of physical fitness or well-being, potentially due to illness or fatigue.

out of sorts

Indicates a general feeling of discomfort or unease; less specific than pinpointing an illness.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "not feeling so well"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "experiencing health issues", "indisposed", or "under the weather" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "not feeling so well" in an email to my boss?

While acceptable, it's better to use a slightly more formal tone. You could say, "I'm "not feeling very well"" or "I'm "not at my best" today and will be taking a sick day."

What's the difference between "not feeling so well" and "not feeling well"?

The addition of "so" in "not feeling so well" softens the statement, implying a milder form of discomfort compared to the more direct "not feeling well". Both are generally interchangeable in casual conversation.

Can I use "not feeling so well" to describe emotional distress?

While primarily used for physical discomfort, "not feeling so well" can sometimes extend to emotional states. However, phrases like "not myself today" or "feeling down" are more appropriate for expressing emotional distress.