Bragging

USAGE SUMMARY

"bragging" is a perfectly acceptable word in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is speaking or writing in an overly boastful manner. Example sentence: His constant bragging about his expensive car made his friends roll their eyes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And perhaps most importantly, he has bragging rights in the Blair household – Cherie's Speaking for Myself sold 3,877 in its first week," he added.

The Guardian - Books

iPhone / iPad Zombie Puzzle Panic (Free + IAP) Billed as "a new spin on match 3 with 1000% more zombies and guaranteed no candies", this is an alternative to Candy Crush Saga, with a similar mix of swapping, power-ups and social bragging with your scores.

The Guardian - Tech

The 36-year-old musician, his crinkly curls prematurely greying, his mouth fast to resolve into a smile, is not bragging.

The Guardian

More pertinently, that intervention earned Kilmarnock bragging rights over their local foes.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of bragging about the EU being the "largest donor of aid" they are actually the largest beneficiaries from unfair compensation to the producers of coffee and of many other European imports.

The Guardian - Opinion

To invest in some sort of toughened steel for the psyche, to fashion a carapace that will withstand the bragging that has always tended – in English eyes at least – to be associated with Australian sporting success.

The Guardian - Sport

In recent weeks the former England central defender has appeared on the cover of Shooting Magazine in lord of the manor mode, bragging about the 30 birds he has shot over the past year.

The Guardian - Sport

Bryant spoke to the Guardian after Labour received criticism for tweeting that it would not reverse £83m of cuts to the Arts Council of England's budget, which some writers took as "bragging" about its commitment to reducing funding.

The Guardian

The network built shows and nights of shows around the series, and often its return in the winter meant the difference between beating the other broadcast networks in season-long ratings (a favorite bragging right among network execs) and losing out to bigger shows.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We have forgotten since then how the ranks of the parliamentary Conservative party – though not all by any means – were cheerleaders for the war, and I can remember them standing in their seats baying, bragging and gesticulating at Kennedy as he walked in.

The Guardian - Opinion

Miami can be right up there with LA or Vegas for bragging rights to the kookiest and the weirdest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bragging" to describe behavior. For feelings of great satisfaction about own deeds, use other words that convey accomplishments instead of arrogance.

Common error

Be mindful of the tone you set. Using "bragging" too frequently, especially in formal writing, can make your writing sound arrogant or self-centered. Consider using more neutral terms like "highlighting" or "emphasizing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bragging" is as a gerund, which is a verb acting as a noun. It can serve as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it functions as both, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bragging" functions primarily as a gerund, conveying self-praise often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing. While very common, as per the several Ludwig examples, it is more suited to informal contexts, and one should be mindful of overuse, especially in formal settings. Related terms include "boasting" and "vaunting", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these subtleties allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Boasting

Similar to "bragging" but often implies a more direct and overt expression of pride.

Vaunting

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for "bragging", suggesting excessive pride and self-display.

Showing off

Implies a deliberate attempt to impress others with one's abilities or possessions.

Crowing

Suggests triumphant "bragging", often after a victory or achievement.

Exaggerating

Involves stretching the truth to make oneself seem more impressive.

Line-shooting

Informal term for "bragging" or exaggerating, especially to impress someone.

Swashbuckling

Describes a flamboyant and boastful style of behavior.

Hotdogging

Refers to showing off in sports or other activities.

Strutting

Suggests a proud and self-satisfied manner of walking or behaving, often associated with "bragging".

Trumpeting

Implies loudly proclaiming one's achievements or qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "bragging" in a sentence?

"Bragging" is a gerund, a verb form that functions as a noun. You can use it as a subject (e.g., "Bragging is unattractive"), an object (e.g., "I dislike his bragging"), or part of a prepositional phrase (e.g., "He was known for his bragging").

What's a less judgmental alternative to "bragging"?

Depending on the context, consider using words like "highlighting", "showcasing", or "emphasizing". These words focus on presenting information rather than implying boastfulness.

What are some synonyms for "bragging" that I can use to vary my writing?

You can use synonyms like "boasting", "vaunting", "showing off", or "crowing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "bragging" and "promoting"?

"Bragging" often carries a negative connotation of excessive self-praise, while "promoting" is generally used in a professional context to highlight the positive aspects of a product, service, or oneself. It focuses on conveying value or achievements.