Ever struggle to say exactly how you feel in English? Today, we’ll make it simple. You’ll learn useful emotion words, the patterns “I feel…” and “I’m…”, how to make feelings stronger or softer, and polite ways to answer “How are you?”. Practice as you go with short, friendly exercises.

Big feelings, small words: easy patterns to start

We often use two simple patterns:

• I feel + adjective: “I feel tired.” “I feel happy.”
• I’m + adjective: “I’m tired.” “I’m happy.”

Both are correct, and in daily conversation they often mean the same thing. “I feel” talks about your physical or emotional state. “I’m” is the verb “be” with an adjective.

I very tired after work.

I’m feel happy. → I feel happy. Use either “I am happy” or “I feel happy”, not both together.

So strong or just a little? Intensifiers and softeners

You can make feelings stronger or softer.

• Stronger: very, really, so
  • I’m very tired. She feels really happy. It’s so exciting!
• Softer: a little, a bit (informal)
  • I’m a little nervous. He’s a bit bored.

“Really” is common in speech. “So” often shows strong emotion: “I’m so proud of you!” “Quite” exists too, but its meaning can change (in British English, “quite” can mean “fairly” or “completely” depending on context). At A2, stick with very/really/so and a little/a bit.

I’m happy to see you!

Talking about reasons: because, about, of

We often explain feelings:

• because + clause (subject + verb): I’m sad because it’s raining. She feels calm because she’s at home.
• about + noun/verb-ing: I’m excited about the trip. He’s nervous about speaking in public.
• of + noun: We’re proud of our team. She’s afraid of spiders.

Notice: “afraid of”, “proud of”, “nervous about”, “worried about” are very common.

We are proud our school.

Cultural notes: answering “How are you?”

In English-speaking cultures, “How are you?” is often friendly small talk. Many people give short, positive answers:

• I’m good, thanks. And you?
• I’m fine, thanks.
• Not bad! How about you?
• I’m okay. A bit tired.

It’s okay to share a simple feeling, but in formal situations you may keep it light. With close friends, you can be more honest: “I’m stressed today.”

“Unhappy” uses the negative prefix “un-” + “happy”. This pattern appears in other words too: “uncomfortable”, “uncertain”. It can help you guess meanings.

Mini-practice: real-life moments

Try these mini prompts. Say them out loud.

• You didn’t sleep well. Say how you feel and why.
  • Example: “I’m a little tired because I didn’t sleep well.”
• You passed a test. Tell a friend.
  • Example: “I’m so proud of myself!”
• Your friend looks nervous before a talk. Ask and respond politely.
  • Example: “Are you nervous about the presentation?” “A bit, but I’ll be okay.”
• Invite someone who is stressed.
  • Example: “Do you want to take a short break? It might help.”

Quick recap

• Use “I’m + adjective” or “I feel + adjective” to describe emotions.
• Make feelings stronger: very, really, so. Softer: a little, a bit.
• Explain reasons with “because”, and use common prepositions: worried about, nervous about, proud of, afraid of.
• Keep answers to “How are you?” short, polite, and natural in everyday small talk.

You’ve got the words and the patterns—now use them! Try sharing one feeling today with someone you trust. Keep practicing, and your English will feel more natural every day.