to feel

USAGE SUMMARY

"to feel" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as a verb followed by a noun or adjective to express a state of emotion or physical sensation. Example: "She couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over her as she walked through the familiar streets of her hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To feel the breeze.

The New York Times

To feel needed.

The New Yorker

To feel joy.

The New York Times

To feel accomplishment.

The New Yorker

I began to feel things.

The New Yorker

I like to feel light.

The New York Times

To feel helpless?" he said.

The New Yorker

He's got to feel it.

The New York Times

She wants to feel special.

The New Yorker

I like to feel full.

The New York Times - Magazine

It has to feel right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to feel" to describe physical sensations, emotions, or intuitive understandings. Ensure the subject experiencing the feeling is clearly defined for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to feel" in overly passive constructions where the agent of the feeling is obscured. Instead of "It is felt that...", specify who or what is experiencing the feeling for more direct and impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to feel" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the experience of physical sensations, emotions, or intuitions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and common in written English. Examples show it describing states of being and reactions to stimuli.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to feel" is a versatile infinitive phrase widely used to describe physical sensations, emotions, and intuitive understandings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its suitability for various contexts, from formal to informal. When using "to feel", ensure the subject is clearly defined and avoid overly passive constructions. Alternatives like "to sense" or "to experience" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to have a feeling

Specifically denotes an emotional response or intuition about something.

to have a sense of

Suggests an intuitive understanding or awareness, often without concrete evidence.

to sense

Focuses more on perceiving something through the senses, broader than just touch or emotion.

to experience

Emphasizes undergoing or living through something, often implying a deeper involvement.

to perceive

Highlights mental awareness and interpretation of something, more cognitive than emotional.

to be aware of

Stresses recognition or consciousness of something, whether physical or abstract.

to get the impression

Indicates forming a belief or understanding based on limited information.

to recognize

Implies identifying or acknowledging something based on prior knowledge or experience.

to understand

Highlights a cognitive grasp or comprehension of something.

to comprehend

Stresses thorough and complete understanding.

FAQs

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

"To feel" can be used to describe physical sensations (e.g., "to feel cold"), emotions (e.g., "to feel happy"), or intuitions (e.g., "to feel certain"). Ensure the subject experiencing the feeling is clear.

What are some alternatives to "to feel"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to sense", "to experience", or "to perceive" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "I am feeling" instead of "I feel"?

Both "I am feeling" and "I feel" are grammatically correct. "I am feeling" often emphasizes the ongoing or current nature of the emotion, while "I feel" is a more general statement of emotion or sensation.

How does the meaning of "to feel" change with different adjectives?

The meaning of "to feel" is heavily influenced by the adjective that follows it. For example, "to feel happy" describes joy, while "to feel anxious" describes worry. The adjective specifies the specific sensation or emotion being experienced.