this can feel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can feel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a sensation, emotion, or perception that someone might experience in a particular situation. Example: "In stressful situations, this can feel overwhelming for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can feel like the worst feeling in the world.

Huffington Post

This can feel like a deprivation.

The New York Times - Arts

This can feel a tad formulaic.

The New York Times

Tracts like this can feel didactic, but they are also provocative.

The New York Times - Books

For the reader, this can feel like having one's cake and eating it too.

The New York Times - Books

This can feel like a dignified antidote to the sloppy aggrandizement of self in contemporary media.

The New York Times - Books

This can feel a bit unusual at first, although that passes once the film gets underway.

The Guardian - Film

This can feel frustrating at times, but then parenting any child has its frustrations.

The Guardian - Arts

For the casual reader, however, this can feel like a formidable undertaking.

The Guardian - Books

With some people, this can feel awkward, but with lang it feels still, calming.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A litany like this can feel overwhelming, but none of these threats are actually new.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can feel", ensure the context clearly establishes what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "this can feel" to make sweeping generalizations about feelings that may not be universally experienced. Instead, acknowledge that individual experiences can vary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can feel" functions as a descriptor of subjective experience. It presents a potential sensation or emotion, as supported by Ludwig which confirms its correct usage. The auxiliary verb "can" adds a layer of possibility, suggesting that the feeling is not always present but may occur under certain conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this can feel" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes potential sensations or emotional experiences. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and versatile expression appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media. It serves to express empathy or understanding by describing potential feelings, as determined by the examples. For alternatives, consider "this may seem" or "this might feel" to slightly shift the nuance. When using the phrase, be mindful of overgeneralizing and ensure the context is clear. Overall, "this can feel" is an effective way to convey subjective experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this may seem

Replaces "can feel" with "may seem", indicating a possibility or appearance rather than a direct feeling.

this might feel

Substitutes "can" with "might", suggesting a less certain or more hypothetical feeling.

this could feel

Replaces "can" with "could", indicating a potential or conditional feeling.

it may feel like

Adds "it" as a subject and adjusts the sentence structure to focus on the feeling.

it might seem like

Combines possibility and appearance, suggesting an impression rather than a direct experience.

it could be perceived as

Shifts the focus to perception and possibility, indicating how something might be viewed.

it can be interpreted as

Emphasizes interpretation, suggesting how something might be understood.

the effect can be

Focuses on the effect or result, indicating the impact something can have.

the sensation might be

Highlights the sensory aspect and introduces uncertainty.

the experience can be

Focuses on the overall experience, indicating a possible state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "this can feel" in a sentence?

Use "this can feel" to describe a subjective experience or emotion resulting from a specific situation. For example, "After a long day, "this can feel exhausting"".

What are some alternatives to "this can feel"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "this may seem", "this might feel", or "it can be interpreted as".

Is "this can feel" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this can feel" is grammatically correct. It uses "this" as a subject, "can" as an auxiliary verb indicating possibility, and "feel" as a main verb describing a sensation or emotion.

What's the difference between "this can feel" and "this feels"?

"This feels" describes a current, immediate sensation. "This can feel" indicates a potential or possible sensation under certain circumstances. For example, "This feels warm" (now) vs. "This can feel warm" (under the sun).