It feels as though
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to turn a potential confrontation into a gentle, subjective observation.
In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to share opinions without being too blunt.
- Softens claims by framing them as personal perceptions.
- Perfect for giving feedback or expressing a gut feeling.
Bedeutung
You use this phrase when you want to share an opinion or a feeling without sounding too aggressive or 100% certain. It is like putting a soft cushion around your words so you don't accidentally start an argument.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Giving feedback to a coworker
It feels as though we might be missing a few details in the report.
It feels as though we might be missing a few details in the report.
Discussing a relationship
It feels as though we haven't spent much quality time together lately.
It feels as though we haven't spent much quality time together lately.
Commenting on the weather
It feels as though summer is finally around the corner.
It feels as though summer is finally around the corner.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression is deeply rooted in the Anglo-cultural preference for 'negative politeness,' which focuses on not imposing on others. It gained massive popularity in 20th-century psychology and business as a way to facilitate 'I-statements' that reduce conflict. In British English, it is often used with a touch of irony to point out the obvious without being rude.
The 'Like' Shortcut
In 90% of daily conversations, you can just say `It feels like`. Save `as though` for when you want to sound more thoughtful or elegant.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this phrase in every sentence, you might come across as indecisive or lacking confidence. Use it sparingly for maximum impact!
In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to share opinions without being too blunt.
- Softens claims by framing them as personal perceptions.
- Perfect for giving feedback or expressing a gut feeling.
What It Means
It feels as though is a masterclass in English politeness. It allows you to express a deep intuition or a logical observation without claiming it is an absolute fact. You are basically saying, "This is my current perspective, but I could be wrong." It turns a sharp statement into a gentle suggestion. It is the verbal equivalent of a shrug and a thoughtful nod.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence to set the tone. Follow it with a full clause—a subject and a verb. For example, instead of saying "You are ignoring me," try It feels as though you are ignoring me. See the difference? The first one is an attack. The second one is an invitation to talk. You can also swap as though with as if or like depending on how fancy you want to be.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to give feedback at work without hurting feelings. It is perfect for discussing relationships when things feel a bit "off." Use it when describing the weather or a vibe in a room. If you are at a restaurant and the service is slow, tell your friend, It feels as though they forgot our appetizers. It sounds much more sophisticated than just complaining. It is great for those "gut feeling" moments.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase when you need to be direct and urgent. If the kitchen is on fire, do not say, It feels as though the stove is slightly too hot. Just yell! Also, do not use it for cold, hard facts. You wouldn't say, It feels as though two plus two is four. That just makes you sound confused about math. Use it for perceptions, not for gravity or basic arithmetic.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, often avoid direct confrontation. We love "hedging." This phrase is a tool for social harmony. It stems from a desire to remain humble. By saying as though, you are acknowledging that your reality might be subjective. It became a staple of "corporate speak" and therapy sessions because it focuses on the speaker's experience rather than the listener's faults.
Common Variations
It feels like: The most common, casual version for daily life.It feels as if: Slightly more formal thanlike, but less stiff thanas though.I get the sense that: A great professional alternative for meetings.It seems as though: Use this when you are basing your opinion on visual evidence.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' to 'formal' range. Use it when you want to be tactful. Avoid it in high-pressure situations where clarity is more important than politeness.
The 'Like' Shortcut
In 90% of daily conversations, you can just say `It feels like`. Save `as though` for when you want to sound more thoughtful or elegant.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use this phrase in every sentence, you might come across as indecisive or lacking confidence. Use it sparingly for maximum impact!
The British Irony
British speakers sometimes use this phrase to state something incredibly obvious as a joke. For example, standing in a downpour and saying, `It feels as though it's slightly damp.`
Beispiele
6It feels as though we might be missing a few details in the report.
It feels as though we might be missing a few details in the report.
Softens the criticism of the coworker's work.
It feels as though we haven't spent much quality time together lately.
It feels as though we haven't spent much quality time together lately.
Focuses on the speaker's feeling rather than blaming the partner.
It feels as though summer is finally around the corner.
It feels as though summer is finally around the corner.
Expresses a hopeful intuition about the changing seasons.
It feels as though this party is never going to end!
It feels as though this party is never going to end!
Uses exaggeration to share a vibe via text.
It feels as though the market is shifting toward sustainable energy.
It feels as though the market is shifting toward sustainable energy.
Presents a business trend as an observation rather than a certainty.
It feels as though it's getting a bit crowded in here, should we sit outside?
It feels as though it's getting a bit crowded in here, should we sit outside?
A polite way to suggest moving locations.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best option to complete the sentence politely.
___ you're not quite happy with the new schedule.
This phrase allows you to check in on someone's feelings without sounding accusatory.
Which variation is most common in a very casual text message?
It ___ we're going to be late.
'Feels like' is the standard casual version used in everyday texting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'It feels...'
Used with friends and family.
It feels like...
Perfect for most social and work settings.
It feels as though...
Used in literature or high-level speeches.
It is as though...
When to use 'It feels as though'
Softening Criticism
It feels as though this draft needs more work.
Sharing a Vibe
It feels as though something is wrong.
Making Predictions
It feels as though it's going to rain.
Expressing Emotion
It feels as though I've known you forever.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, they are almost identical in meaning. As though is slightly more common in British English, while as if is used globally.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for casual meetings. However, It feels as though or It seems as though sounds a bit more professional.
Technically, yes (e.g., It feels as though he were here), but in modern English, almost everyone uses the indicative (e.g., It feels as though he is here).
I think is about your logic, while It feels as though is about your intuition or the atmosphere. The latter is often perceived as softer.
Usually, no. Academic writing prefers objective statements. Instead of It feels as though the data is wrong, use The data suggests an inconsistency.
Forgetting the It. People sometimes say Feels as though..., which is okay for texting but too informal for speaking.
Absolutely! You can say It feels as though my head is spinning if you are dizzy.
Yes, as though is considered more 'correct' in formal writing, whereas like is the king of casual conversation.
Since they are sharing a perception, you can validate them by saying, I see what you mean or I can see why you'd feel that way.
Yes! You can say It feels as though we've finally made a breakthrough to celebrate a success.
Verwandte Redewendungen
It seems as if
Based on the evidence I see.
I get the impression that
My overall feeling about a situation.
It strikes me that
A sudden realization or observation.
As far as I can tell
Based on the limited information I have.
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