“Feel”: Meaning, Conjugation and Examples

One-syllable word: /fiːl/. It consists of the long /iː/ vowel; it sounds like in the words “meal,” “real,” “deal,” “steal.” This vowel should be pronounced fully. The last consonant /l/ is the lateral one.

“Feel” is an irregular verb. It changes from feel → felt → felt in the past simple and past participle forms. It not only describes physical sensations but is also widely used to describe emotions, opinions and impressions. That is why it is considered one of the most commonly used verbs.

Basic Forms of the Verb “Feel”

Continuous and Perfect Forms

“Feel” is a verb in which the choice of grammatical pattern makes a big difference to the meaning of the verb. There are three patterns, and confusion between the three will lead to incorrect sentences or sentences with a meaning other than your intention.

Pattern 1: Feel + Adjective (Linking Verb)

In this pattern, “feel” acts like “be” or “seem”: it links the subject to a describing adjective. The adjective describes the subject, not an action.

Pattern 2: Feel + That + Clause (Reporting Thoughts)

This pattern reports a belief, opinion, or internal conviction. “Feel” here is close to “think” or “believe” but carries more personal conviction.

Pattern 3: Feel + Object (Physical Touch)

When “feel” describes the physical act of touching something to perceive it, it is transitive and dynamic: you are actively doing something.

The verb “feel” creates many common expressions that English native speakers use on a daily basis. They can convey emotions or physical well-being, show empathy, express assurance, grant permission, or indicate experience. Using them as whole expressions will make your English sound very natural.

The mistakes occur consistently at all levels of learning. The mistake associated with the irregular past tense form occurs most frequently in written English. The mistake related to the use of linking verbs occurs most frequently in spoken English. Go through the corrections one by one.