I’ve noticed my students using “I feel” when expressing an opinion–they always used to say “I think.”
I’m a big fan of discussion in my classes–the kind where students read and annotate an article or paper, one that is difficult, but accessible with effort. Then they discuss the article, from the structure of its argument to its implications for living.
Since I don’t participate in these discussions, we hear a lot of student voices.
It was three years ago that I first heard a student say, “I feel” when expressing their opinion. I found it jarring–I still do and I don’t like it.
When researching this topic, I found several articles that make the distinction between “I think” and “I feel.” They say the determining factor for which you use is its persuasiveness. Use “I feel” when speaking to people who are more emotionally oriented and “I think” with those who are more cognitive. They claim that if your audience is primarily male, go with “I think”; “I feel” resonates more with women.
Perhaps I am naïve, but I am horrified by this instrumental approach to language.
“I think” expresses something different than “I feel.” And neither is the same as “I believe.”
“I think” means that you are expressing an opinion for which you think there are rational grounds.
- I think “Arrival” is a profound and beautiful film.
- I think that “I feel” is over-used.
- I think ones Facebook feed is a very bad place to get ones news.
“I feel” doesn’t really have anything to do with opinions–you don’t feel opinions. “I feel” is about senses or emotions, intuitions or perceptions.
- I feel cold.
- You said “Fine,” but I feel like there is something wrong.
- I feel uncomfortable being alone in the elevator with that man.
- I feel good about the Seahawks’ chances in game against Philadelphia this afternoon.
“I believe” has to do with convictions–“I believe” often involves a great deal of rational thought, but there is acknowledgement that support for your position cannot be reduced to logic.
- I believe that gratitude ought to be in the list of heavenly virtues.
- I believe everyone ought to plant daffodils and tulips in November as a ritual of hope.
- I believe zombies narratives have a prophetic role in our culture.
Feelings are a lot more important than they used to be.
Trust your feelings, Luke.
This sentiment is axiomatic in our culture. People believe that if they have strong feelings about something then it must be true or valid.
I don’t think they believe it yet, but the primacy of feelings is seeping into the way my students express themselves in classroom discussions.
Feelings are important, but they aren’t the same thing as thoughts.
I think when you think something you should say, “I think” whether or not it’s more persuasive.