be ashamed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be ashamed that' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of guilt, remorse, or embarrassment. Example sentence: I was ashamed that I hadn't been able to help my friend in their time of need.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should be ashamed that this has happened.

The Guardian

Please don't be ashamed that you didn't come out earlier.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They should be ashamed that we are doing their job for them," Mr. Hellekson said.

The New York Times

"The government should be ashamed that they don't make us a mosque and a cemetery," she says.

Princeton University

The card companies should be ashamed that they needed a law to make this "opt in" requirement a reality.

The New York Times

All leaders should be ashamed that two-and-a-half years on this is still going on," he said.

The Guardian

But they should be ashamed that it took a white man to show India how to do it.

The Guardian - Film

Val Byrne You should be ashamed that old duffers in the House of Lords prevented the repeal of Clause 28.

The Guardian

The BBC should be ashamed that it did not even bid for the rights this time round.

The Guardian - Sport

"Ministers should be ashamed that on their watch, fewer and fewer young children are able to take part in key cultural activities.

Independent

"Wal-Mart and the mayor should be ashamed that they're going to provide poverty wages to people who get up every day and go to work".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be ashamed that", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for shame to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific details about the event or situation that warrants the feeling of shame.

Common error

Avoid using "be ashamed that" in overly casual conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or judgmental. Opt for milder expressions of disappointment or regret in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be ashamed that" functions as a subjective expression of regret, disapproval, or moral failing. It highlights a personal or collective sense of responsibility for an undesirable situation, as exemplified by Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be ashamed that" is a powerful expression used to convey a sense of regret, disapproval, or moral failing. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various reputable sources. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to highlight situations that warrant strong disapproval and often calls for corrective action. While versatile, it's important to consider the context, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings where it might sound overly dramatic. Alternatives like "feel ashamed that" or "it's a disgrace that" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Ultimately, "be ashamed that" remains a potent tool for expressing moral concern and prompting reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel ashamed that

Focuses on the emotion itself rather than the action of feeling shame.

ought to be ashamed that

Adds a stronger sense of moral obligation or expectation.

should feel guilty that

Emphasizes the feeling of guilt rather than shame.

have reason to be ashamed that

Highlights the justification for feeling shame.

it's a disgrace that

Shifts the focus to the scandalous nature of the situation.

it's regrettable that

Expresses regret about a situation.

it's a pity that

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something.

hang your head in shame that

Uses a more visual and emotional expression of shame.

I'm embarrassed that

Focuses on personal embarrassment rather than broader shame.

it is shameful that

Highlights the inherent shamefulness of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be ashamed that" in a sentence?

You can use "be ashamed that" to express a feeling of guilt, remorse, or embarrassment about a situation. For example, "We should "be ashamed that" so many people are homeless."

What's a more formal alternative to "be ashamed that"?

More formal alternatives include "it is regrettable that" or "it is a matter of deep concern that". These phrases convey a similar sense of disappointment and disapproval in a more professional manner.

What can I say instead of "I'm ashamed that" in a casual conversation?

In casual settings, you can use phrases like "I feel bad that", "I'm disappointed that", or "It's a pity that" to express similar sentiments without sounding overly harsh.

Is it correct to say "became ashamed that"?

Yes, "became ashamed that" is grammatically correct and indicates a change in feeling over time. For example, "He initially defended his actions, but later "became ashamed that" he had participated."