Meaning
to want to do something, often spontaneously or presently
Primary Function
expresses a current desire or inclination
Communicative Purpose
suggests what someone is inclined to engage in at that moment
Pattern
feel like; doing
Core Structure
feel like; doing
Função primária
expresses a current desire or inclination
Propósito comunicativo
suggests what someone is inclined to engage in at that moment
Situações de gatilho
when making plans together, when declining an invitation, during casual conversation about mood
Contextos
informal everyday interactions, social chats, spontaneous decision‑making scenarios
Padrão
feel like; doing
Estrutura central
feel like; doing
Slots de substituição
activities or actions (e.g., going for a walk, eating out, chatting)
Colocados típicos
- just
- really
- not
Substituições comuns
- fancy doing (British English)
- want to do
- be in the mood for
Erros comuns
using infinitive form: *feel like to do or omitting 'doing': e.g., *feel like go is incorrect
Similar / contraste
fancy doing, be up for doing, be in the mood for, have a hankering for
Interferências
learners from languages that use an infinitival construction may mistakenly insert 'to', as in Spanish 'tener ganas de...' or French 'avoir envie de + infinitif'
Família do chunk
- fancy
- be up for
- be in the mood for
- have a hankering for
Nuance
'Feel like doing' conveys a casual, immediate feeling of inclination, whereas 'want to do' can sound more formal or deliberative.
Efeito pragmático
creates a friendly, tentative tone suitable for informal conversation and social invitations
Dica de memória
What do you feel like doing?
Nota
This chunk is a common way to express spontaneous desires in casual conversations. It is often used with verbs indicating leisure activities, food, or relaxation.
Upgrade path
use idioms such as "be inclined to" or "be in the mood for" when speaking more formally
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