I am mortified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am mortified" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing extreme embarrassment or shame about a situation or action. Example: "When I realized I had forgotten my best friend's birthday, I was completely mortified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I am mortified.

The Economist

Well I am mortified.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At first, I am mortified.

The Washington Post

So yes, I am mortified.

The Guardian

"I am mortified and profusely sorry".

The Guardian - Sport

I am mortified to have caused offence".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

And I was mortified.

The New Yorker

I was mortified.

The New York Times

Now I'm mortified.

The New Yorker

Still, I was mortified.

The New York Times

Frankly, I was mortified.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey. "I am mortified" is stronger than "I am embarrassed" but not as extreme as "I am devastated."

Common error

Avoid using "I am mortified" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant a strong expression of embarrassment or shame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am mortified" serves as an expression of feeling, specifically conveying a strong sense of embarrassment or shame. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English. Examples show its use across different contexts from the News & Media domain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am mortified" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a strong sense of embarrassment or shame. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it serves to express dismay or remorse over a personal failing or awkward situation. While its register is neutral, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "I am ashamed" or "I am embarrassed" can be used in less formal settings. Overusing the expression can diminish its intended effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm incredibly embarrassed

Focuses on the feeling of embarrassment, highlighting the social discomfort associated with the situation.

I'm deeply ashamed

Emphasizes a profound sense of shame, suggesting a stronger emotional impact than simply being mortified.

I'm so ashamed of myself

Personalizes the feeling of shame, emphasizing the speaker's self-reproach.

I feel utterly humiliated

Suggests a complete loss of pride or dignity, indicating a more severe experience of mortification.

I regret this immensely

Shifts the focus to regret, highlighting the speaker's remorse for the situation or action.

I'm kicking myself

Indicates self-reproach and regret, focusing on the speaker's own actions.

I'm cringing inside

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the internal discomfort and embarrassment.

I'm devastated by this

Indicates a deep sense of sorrow and disappointment, suggesting a significant emotional impact.

I'm appalled by what happened

Expresses strong disapproval and shock, suggesting a moral dimension to the speaker's reaction.

I wish the ground would swallow me

A hyperbolic expression of intense embarrassment and a desire to disappear.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I am mortified"?

Saying "I am mortified" means you feel extremely embarrassed or ashamed about something. It indicates a strong feeling of humiliation, often due to a mistake or awkward situation.

How can I use "I am mortified" in a sentence?

You can use "I am mortified" when expressing intense embarrassment or shame. For example: "I am mortified that I forgot your birthday" or "I am mortified by my behavior at the party."

What can I say instead of "I am mortified"?

You can use alternatives like "I am embarrassed", "I am ashamed", or "I feel humiliated" depending on the context.

Is "I am mortified" formal or informal?

"I am mortified" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. While suitable for most situations, consider using a less intense phrase like "I'm embarrassed" in very casual settings.