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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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It feels surreal

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it feels surreal" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when trying to describe a situation or experience that is strange, dreamlike, or unreal. For example, "Seeing my child grow up so fast has felt surreal; it feels like only yesterday I held her in my arms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It feels surreal," she said.

News & Media

The Guardian

"The fact that anybody knows what I do and likes it feels surreal to me," she said.

It feels surreal to be in the final and it is a phenomenal achievement when you consider where we were not that long ago".

If it feels surreal to see Amokachi here then it is as well to remember this was an opportunity he felt there was little choice but to take.

"It feels surreal," Mr. Solomon said, "that this many years later that it has gotten bigger and bigger to the point that I'm sitting in New York taking part in the biggest real incarnation of this game ever".

News & Media

The New York Times

I try my best not to focus on the horror of the attack, but not a day goes by that I don't think about it, and every time I see an incident on the news it feels surreal: I can't believe that I went through it.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Loading it "felt surreal", Joseph told me.

It felt surreal, like in a movie".

News & Media

The Guardian

Looking up from the ground, it felt surreal.

News & Media

The New York Times

It felt surreal, like we were on a different planet.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It felt surreal, unreal," said Jaudon, whose house was next door.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "it feels surreal" to describe experiences that are so unexpected or unusual that they seem unreal or dreamlike. It's effective for conveying a sense of disbelief or detachment from reality.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "it feels surreal" to describe everyday occurrences or mildly surprising events. Reserve it for truly extraordinary or disorienting experiences to maintain its impact.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it feels surreal" functions as a subjective expression. It describes a feeling or sensation experienced by an individual, typically in response to an extraordinary or unbelievable event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to portray a sense of unreality.

Expression frequency: Common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

100%

⚠ Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it feels surreal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a sense of unreality or disbelief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to subjectively describe an experience that seems dreamlike or strange. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "it feels unreal" or "it feels like a dream" exist, "it feels surreal" specifically conveys a unique sense of disorientation and wonder.

FAQs

How can I use "it feels surreal" in a sentence?

You can use "it feels surreal" to describe a situation that seems unreal or dreamlike. For instance, "After winning the lottery, "it feels surreal" to think about my future".

What's the difference between "it feels surreal" and "it feels unreal"?

While both phrases convey a sense of disbelief, "it feels surreal" often implies a stranger, more dreamlike quality, whereas "it feels unreal" simply suggests a lack of reality.

What can I say instead of "it feels surreal"?

You can use alternatives like "it feels like a dream", "it feels unreal", or "it feels bizarre" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it feels surreal" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it feels surreal" is grammatically correct. "It" is the subject, "feels" is the linking verb, and "surreal" is the adjective describing the subject's feeling.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: