what it feels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what it feels" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to express a sensation or experience, but it needs to be part of a complete thought or sentence. Example: "I can't describe what it feels like to be in love."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's what it feels like".

The New York Times - Sports

"What it feels like.

The New York Times

This is what it feels like.

Independent

But I know what it feels like.

The New Yorker

That's not what it feels like, though.

The New York Times - Food

"And that's what it feels like now".

The New York Times - Arts

"Then you'll know what it feels like".

The New York Times - Books

That's what it feels like to me".

The New York Times - Arts

That's not what it feels like.

The Guardian

And that's what it feels like".

The Guardian

This is what it feels like here.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In informal contexts, while "what it feels" might be understood, consider if a slightly more structured phrasing would enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "what it feels" in academic papers, business reports, or any setting where precision is essential. Opt for grammatically sound alternatives to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what it feels" functions as a nominal clause, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. However, its grammatical correctness is disputed. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it's not standard written English. Examples often show its use in informal contexts to describe sensations or experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what it feels" is frequently used to describe sensations or experiences, however, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. While common in informal contexts and media, it's best to opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as ""how it feels"" or "what it is like", especially in formal writing. This ensures clarity and maintains credibility. While the phrase appears frequently across various sources, authoritative sources and correct grammar should be prioritized for polished content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how it feels

Replaces "what" with "how" to create a grammatically correct and more common expression.

what it is like

Offers a more descriptive and grammatically sound alternative to convey the nature of an experience.

the way it feels

Similar to "how it feels", this option emphasizes the manner in which something is experienced.

the sensation of it

Focuses on the physical or emotional feeling associated with something, offering a more descriptive approach.

the feeling of that

Highlights the emotional or sensory experience connected to a specific subject.

the experience of it

Shifts the focus to the overall experience, encompassing more than just feelings.

the nature of the feeling

Puts emphasis on the emotional essence or quality one has

to experience it

Highlights that the focus is on experimenting/living it

the feeling it gives

This alternative specifies the feeling given by someone/something

that feeling

This version gives a more concise form of the expression.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the idea behind "what it feels" in a sentence?

Instead of "what it feels", use alternatives like "how it feels" or "what it is like" to ensure grammatical correctness. For instance, instead of "I can't explain what it feels", say "I can't explain "how it feels"".

Is it grammatically correct to use "what it feels"?

No, "what it feels" is not grammatically correct in standard written English. Use ""how it feels"" or "what it is like" instead.

What's the difference between "what it feels" and "how it feels"?

"What it feels" is grammatically incorrect, while ""how it feels"" is the grammatically correct way to express the sensation or experience of something. Use "how it feels" in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "what it feels"?

While generally discouraged in formal writing, "what it feels" might appear in informal speech or creative writing. However, even in these contexts, consider whether using ""how it feels"" or "what it is like" would improve clarity.