ashamed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ashamed of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the feeling of being embarrassed or embarrassed by something. For example, "I was ashamed of my poor performance in the school play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're ashamed of themselves".

Independent

I'm ashamed of you.

The New York Times

I'm ashamed of that".

The New York Times

Don't be ashamed of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because you're ashamed of us.

The New Yorker

I was ashamed of it.

Independent

Ashamed of your masculinity?

The Guardian - Opinion

David felt ashamed of having been ashamed of his father.

The New Yorker

When are some Jews ashamed of Israel?

The Economist

We should all be ashamed of ourselves.

The New York Times

Never be ashamed of doing right.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ashamed of" to express a feeling of embarrassment or regret about something you or someone else has done. Ensure the object of your shame is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ashamed of" to describe actions you're actually proud of or that are inherently positive. This creates a confusing contradiction. For instance, don't say "I'm ashamed of standing up for what's right"; instead, use phrases like "I'm proud of" or "I'm glad I did".

Linguistic Context

"Ashamed of" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, indicating a feeling of embarrassment, regret, or a sense of unworthiness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase modifies a subject, expressing their emotional state regarding a specific action, characteristic, or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ashamed of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of embarrassment, regret, or unworthiness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the object of your shame is clearly defined to prevent confusion. While alternatives like "embarrassed by" or "guilty about" exist, "ashamed of" remains a versatile and readily understood expression of personal emotion. Be mindful of avoiding its misuse in situations where pride is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embarrassed by

This alternative is a more general term for feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious.

mortified by

This alternative implies a stronger sense of embarrassment and humiliation.

guilty about

This alternative emphasizes a sense of responsibility for wrongdoing.

regretful about

This alternative focuses on sorrow or remorse over something that has happened.

humiliated by

This alternative indicates a feeling of being degraded or lowered in dignity.

remorseful for

This alternative indicates deep regret and a sense of guilt.

disgraced by

This alternative suggests a loss of reputation or honor due to one's actions.

chagrined at

This alternative suggests a feeling of disappointment and annoyance at oneself.

contrite about

This alternative suggests sincere remorse and a desire to make amends.

displeased with

This alternative implies dissatisfaction or disapproval, often directed at oneself.

FAQs

How do you use "ashamed of" in a sentence?

You can use "ashamed of" to express feelings of embarrassment or regret about something. For example, "I was ashamed of my behavior at the party", or "She felt ashamed of not helping her friend in need".

What can I say instead of "ashamed of"?

You can use alternatives like "embarrassed by", "remorseful for", or "guilty about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ashamed from" instead of "ashamed of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "ashamed" is "of". "Ashamed from" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "ashamed of", as in "I am ashamed of my mistakes".

What's the difference between "ashamed of" and "feeling guilty about"?

"Ashamed of" generally implies embarrassment or a sense of unworthiness, while "feeling guilty about" suggests a sense of responsibility for wrongdoing. You might be "ashamed of" something without being directly responsible, but guilt usually involves a personal transgression.