feel like the third wheel vs be the third wheel

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning of feeling left out or awkward in a situation where two other people are closer or more involved. The choice between 'feel like the third wheel' and 'be the third wheel' depends on whether you want to emphasize the feeling or the actual role in the situation.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 121 views

feel like the third wheel

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the feeling of being left out or awkward in a situation where two other people are closer or more involved.

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize the emotional experience of feeling like an outsider or being excluded in a social setting.

Examples:

I always feel like the third wheel when I hang out with my best friend and her boyfriend.
At the party, I felt like the third wheel because everyone else was paired up.
She often feels like the third wheel when her colleagues talk about their shared experiences.
Do you ever feel like the third wheel when you're with your siblings?
Being the youngest in the group, he often feels like the third wheel.

Show examples from the web [+]

feel like the third wheel
We could do couple stuff, and you won't feel like the third wheel.
I feel like the third one has a lot more musicality than the other two.
I'm starting to feel like the third wheel
And I just want you to know, that I totally respect your friendship with Brenna and I'd never want you to feel like the third wheel.
He just feels like the third wheel.
'He feels like the third voice in the group.
You know, if he feels like the third wheel, maybe it's because the two of us only ever hang out when you're around.
Your mobile visitors will be glad we did not feel like being the third wheel.
Rainbow: Pam, I feel like I'm the third wheel in my own marriage.
Just think how you'd feel the third time around.
She made me feel like a third wheel in my own relationship.
I feel like a third-rate witch doctor.
He makes third class feel like first class.
He was very nice about it, but he made me feel like a third-class witch doctor.
This is a pretty couple-y's trip, and... you know, we just don't want you to feel like a third wheel.
Tessa, we just didn't want you to feel like a third wheel.
I'd hate for you to feel like a third wheel.
He's a successful mortgage broker, but sometimes he feels like my third child.
As your mom starts to go out more, you start to feel like a third wheel.
We probably shouldn't make my friend over here feel like a third wheel.

Alternatives:

feel left out
feel excluded
feel awkward in a group
feel out of place
feel like an outsider

be the third wheel

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the situation of being left out or awkward in a group where two other people are closer or more involved.

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize the actual role of being an outsider or feeling excluded in a social setting.

Examples:

I always seem to be the third wheel when I go out with my friends who are dating.
She felt like she was the third wheel at the family gathering.
He didn't want to be the third wheel at the dinner party.
It's hard to be the third wheel when everyone else is in a relationship.
She realized she was the third wheel when her friends started talking about their shared memories.

Show examples from the web [+]

Great. Leave me to be the third wheel.
If anything, I would be the third wheel.
Do you want to be the third wheel with another couple and cause them harm?
Leave me to be the third wheel.
She'll be the third wheel!

Alternatives:

be left out
be excluded
be awkward in a group
be out of place
be an outsider

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