The English phrase "feel like"

 The English phrase "feel like" is incredibly versatile and can be used in several ways, primarily to express a desire, an inclination, or a sensation. Here's a breakdown of its common uses with examples:

1. To Express a Desire or Inclination (Want to do something)

This is perhaps the most common usage. It indicates that you have a wish or a craving to do something. It's often followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) or a noun phrase.

• Followed by a gerund:

  • "I feel like eating pizza tonight." (I want to eat pizza tonight.)
  • "Do you feel like going for a walk?" (Do you want to go for a walk?)
  • "She doesn't feel like studying for the exam right now." (She doesn't want to study.)
  • "After a long day, I just feel like relaxing."

• Followed by a noun phrase (less common, but possible):

  • "I feel like a nap." (I want to have a nap.)
  • "He feels like a good book." (He wants to read a good book.)

2. To Express a Sensation or Impression (It seems like, it feels as if)

In this usage, "feel like" describes a perception or an impression, often when something isn't literally true but feels that way. It's typically followed by a clause.

• "It feels like spring is finally here." (It seems as if spring has arrived.)
• "I feel like I've known you forever." (It feels as if I've known you for a very long time.)
• "Sometimes I feel like giving up, but I know I shouldn't." (It seems to me that I should give up.)
• "The air feels like it's going to rain." (The air gives the impression that it will rain.)

3. To Express an Opinion or Belief (It seems to me that)

Similar to the sensation usage, but more about a personal opinion or hunch.

• "I feel like he's hiding something." (I have a strong suspicion that he's hiding something.)
• "Do you feel like this is the right decision?" (Do you believe this is the right decision?)
• "She feels like they're making a mistake."

4. To Describe a Physical Sensation (Feel similar to)

When something physically resembles or has the texture of something else.

• "This fabric feels like silk." (It has the texture of silk.)
• "My skin feels like sandpaper after being in the sun." (It feels rough, like sandpaper.)
• "The bed feels like a cloud." (It's very soft and comfortable.)

Key Points to Remember:

• Informal: "Feel like" is generally an informal expression. While perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, you might choose more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional writing (e.g., "I desire to," "It appears that").
• Gerund (V-ing) vs. Infinitive (to V): When expressing a desire, "feel like" is almost always followed by a gerund (-ing form of the verb), not an infinitive ("to" form).
  • Correct: "I feel like eating."
  • Incorrect: "I feel like to eat."
• Negative Form: To express a lack of desire, simply use "don't feel like" or "doesn't feel like."
  • "I don't feel like cooking tonight."

By understanding these different applications, you can effectively incorporate "feel like" into your English sentences to convey a range of desires, sensations, and opinions.