a bit ashamed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit ashamed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a slight feeling of embarrassment or guilt about something. Example: "After realizing my mistake, I felt a bit ashamed for not paying attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I was a bit scared, a bit ashamed.

The Guardian - Music

"I wrote them," Mr. Torvalds noted, "and looking at the original ones I'm a bit ashamed".

The New York Times

"I always felt a bit ashamed to be German," admitted Kässmann.

The Guardian

You're just a bit ashamed of some of the things you've done as a lawyer.

The Guardian - Books

Since I consider myself to be a modern woman, I am actually a bit ashamed of it.

Independent

But I am a bit ashamed of it; I think only the truly oblivious could not be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But like many Iraqis who have made a choice to bend the rules, he seems still unsure of his moral footing: a little bit ashamed, a touch defensive.

The New York Times

You'd think I'd be a little bit ashamed to be a grown woman in onesie pajamas, but once I felt how comfortable it was to lounge around the house in a fleece one-piece, I lost all sense of shame.

Huffington Post

As a history graduate, I'm a tiny bit ashamed to admit this, but I need works that are less linear; I don't seem able to process the traditional sort.

The Guardian - Books

"I am a little bit ashamed of myself," said Bong Chen, a bent and elderly man sitting with his friends on the corner of Grand Street and Forsythe Street, one shared newspaper spread over their knees.

The New York Times

It's strange, isn't it, how, in the presence of a dead person lying in the street, or one in a coffin at a funeral, you can feel for a moment not so much lucky as a little bit ashamed of being alive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit ashamed" to express a mild sense of embarrassment or regret without being overly dramatic. It's suitable when acknowledging a minor mistake or shortcoming.

Common error

In highly formal or professional writing, avoid overusing the phrase "a bit ashamed". Opt for more formal alternatives like "somewhat regretful" or "slightly remorseful" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit ashamed" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, expressing a mild feeling of embarrassment, guilt, or regret. It indicates a state of being, where the subject feels a certain level of discomfort or unease about something. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit ashamed" is a commonly used adjective phrase to express a mild feeling of embarrassment, guilt, or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it's essential to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives when necessary. When expressing slight embarrassment or guilt, using the phrase can convey vulnerability and create connections. Be mindful of overuse, especially in professional settings, and use alternatives like "somewhat regretful" or "slightly remorseful" to maintain the appropriate tone. The phrase is well-supported by various authoritative sources, including The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch embarrassed

Uses "embarrassed" instead of "ashamed", softening the emotional impact and feeling more like awkwardness.

slightly embarrassed

Replaces "ashamed" with "embarrassed", focusing on the feeling of awkwardness rather than guilt.

a little sheepish

Conveys a sense of being meek or timid due to embarrassment.

slightly guilty

Highlights the feeling of responsibility and regret for wrongdoing.

somewhat remorseful

Emphasizes the feeling of regret or sorrow for a past action.

a tad regretful

Focuses on the regret felt about a situation or action.

a little abashed

Suggests a feeling of being disconcerted or embarrassed.

mildly humiliated

Highlights a feeling of lowered pride or dignity, albeit in a mild form.

somewhat chagrined

Indicates a feeling of disappointment and annoyance about a failure or mistake.

rather mortified

Emphasizes a stronger feeling of shame and embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit ashamed" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit ashamed" to express a mild feeling of embarrassment or guilt. For example, "I was "a bit ashamed" that I hadn't prepared more for the meeting."

What's a more formal alternative to "a bit ashamed"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "somewhat regretful", "slightly remorseful", or "mildly embarrassed".

Is it correct to say "a little ashamed" instead of "a bit ashamed"?

Yes, "a little ashamed" and "a bit ashamed" are often interchangeable and convey the same meaning of slight embarrassment or regret.

When should I avoid using "a bit ashamed"?

Avoid using "a bit ashamed" in situations that require a more serious or formal tone. In those cases, opt for stronger or more professional language.