ahem

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ahem" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an interjection, used to signify a pause or draw attention to something, typically a remark. For example, "Ahem...I think we should consider looking at other options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Television X, owned by Daily Express and Daily Star proprieter Richard Desmond, has a rich history of spoofing zeitgeisty TV shows and recasting them in its own, ahem, unique style.

The Guardian

Telly is also a good way to wind down from the real-life Hunger Games that is Christmas shopping, a sport that drops you, totally defenceless, into a shopping mall and demands you scale a mountain of produce – ahem, presents – by garrotting your fellow contenders with weaponised Christmas ribbon.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There were Club Med establishments throughout the world, from Tahiti to, ahem, Bulgaria.Mr Trigano did not discard the romanticism that had made Club Med so appealing when he and his early partner had banged in the tent pegs in Majorca.

The Economist

"It's just a big box .The Institute for Justice, which has been doing (ahem) the lord's work with respect to occupational licensing, recently released a paper on the scourge, which estimated that one in three workers need some sort of government permission to do their job.

The Economist

Here are a few that struck this columnist as particularly interesting.Reworking an old theme, Mr Penn thinks that "archery moms" are a promising, ahem, target for business.

The Economist

Waiting five years at my age – 38 – is completely at odds with the wealth of experience I've already amassed on these matters (ahem).

Independent

Seems to be some bad blood and she can't just shake it off - ahem Cherokee Films, the production company in question, released a statement accepting full responsibility for the incident and clearing Swift of any wrongdoing.

Independent

http://tinyurl.com/cwe5ft Fifa have designs on the yoof market I wouldn't claim to know the mind of the average fashion-conscious teenager but it is sincerely hoped that they won't want anything to do with Fifa's latest crackpot idea: producing a – ahem – "trendy" Fifa-branded clineing line aimed at the youth market.

Independent

With any luck, it will be – ahem – a howling success.

Independent

This is handy as a girl because sometimes you break things like curtain rails – ahem – or buy flatpack furniture too tricky to master alone.

Independent

George Bush is under pressure from key supporters to allow American companies to get a piece of the action.Michael BarronGlasgowNo from the IrishSIR – As an Irish voter I would like to explain why I voted no in the recent Nice treaty referendum ("Ahem, Ahern, a horlicks", June 16th).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ahem" sparingly in formal writing. Overuse can make your writing seem awkward or insincere. It is more appropriate for dialogue or informal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "ahem" in situations requiring serious or respectful tones, such as eulogies or formal presentations. Opt for silence or more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "ahem" is to serve as an interjection. It's used to draw attention, indicate a pause, or express mild disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it punctuates speech or writing with a subtle cue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ahem" is a versatile interjection functioning as a polite way to grab attention, express mild disapproval, or indicate a pause. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While frequently found in News & Media, it leans towards a neutral to informal tone, making it less suitable for highly formal contexts. When a more direct approach is inappropriate, "ahem" provides a nuanced way to navigate conversational turns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hem hem

Repeating "hem" emphasizes the sound, creating a very similar effect.

ahem, well

Adds a filler word for a more hesitant or thoughtful interjection.

clears throat

A descriptive phrase for the physical action behind 'ahem'.

cough

Simulates the sound of "ahem", drawing attention subtly.

excuse me

Politely gets someone's attention, more direct than "ahem".

um

Indicates hesitation or thinking time, similar to a subtle "ahem".

psst

Informally used to get someone's attention discreetly.

may I have your attention

Formally requests attention, more explicit than "ahem".

listen up

Directly commands attention, less subtle than "ahem".

take note

Encourages the listener or reader to pay attention to something important.

FAQs

How can I use "ahem" in a sentence?

"Ahem" is typically used as a standalone interjection to get someone's attention, express mild disapproval, or create a brief pause. For example, "Ahem, is there something you'd like to share?"

What does "ahem" typically indicate in a conversation?

It usually signals a desire to interrupt politely, express a subtle disagreement, or hint at something left unsaid. It's a non-verbal cue translated into text.

Is "ahem" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ahem" is generally too informal for academic papers or business reports. It is better suited for dialogue in fiction or informal communications. Try alternatives like "excuse me" or "may I have your attention" in those contexts.

When should I avoid using "ahem"?

Avoid using "ahem" when a situation requires seriousness or directness. In moments of grief, anger, or critical feedback, a more forthright expression is usually more appropriate.