boast

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'boast' is correct and usable in written English.
'Boast' can be used to describe someone who talks with excessive pride or self-satisfaction, especially about their accomplishments or possessions. For example, "He was always boasting about his new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More practical reasons suggest themselves for the success of Chilean wine: the central valleys boast rich alluvial soil, and the climate found between 28 and 38 degrees of latitude is perfect for the vines.

The Guardian - Travel

Specifically, fear of media tycoons who used to boast that some of their newspapers had "won" elections and had left the prime ministerial ambitions of party leaders in ruins.

The Guardian

A young British company called Darktrace, whose technology was spawned in the classrooms and bedrooms of Cambridge University, can now boast a covey of former spies among their executive ranks.

The Guardian - Tech

During the boom years in Ireland when you used to have to pay for the privilege to enter some Dublin pubs even before forking out more than ¤5 at the bar for a pint of beer, the nation's taxi drivers had a favourite, repetitive boast.

The Guardian

He is planning Britain's first "astrovillage", one that would house the largest public observatory in the world and boast a 100-seat auditorium, a 100-seat planetarium, a one-metre aperture telescope, radiomagnetic and solar telescopes.

The Guardian

It's true: the grimy streets are slightly less grimy and the crime rate – they boast – is no worse than any other French city.

The Guardian

If you want a quick lesson in what he means, think back to New Labour: Tony Blair's absurd claim that Britain could somehow be "a young country", a long-forgotten book co-authored by Peter Mandelson (perhaps now festering in a Mancunian dumpster?), with a passage headed "Can Britain escape from its past?" – and the ahistorical boast to end all ahistorical boasts: "No more boom and bust".

The Guardian - Opinion

Victorian Manchester would boast twice the riches of London with twice the ostentation.

The Guardian

In a country where every football supporter has an English team, FH boast fancy dan foreigners in former Manchester United youth team player Sam Hewson and former Rangers and Scotland Under-21 international Steven Lennon.

The Guardian - Sport

Fans at the match had something truly special to boast about.

The Guardian - Sport

Antigua used to boast 174 of them, and for 200 years sugar remained the dominant industry.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use boast to highlight specific advantages, especially of places, in a captivating way to showcase an objective attribute or quality that sets it apart

Common error

Avoid using "boast" when the quality is subjective or insignificant. It can come across as arrogant or exaggerate the merit.

Linguistic Context

The word "boast" primarily functions as a verb, denoting either the act of bragging about oneself or something, or indicating that something possesses a particular attribute. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Sport

12%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Opinion

6%

Business

5%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "boast" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb, meaning either to brag or to possess a notable quality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used. As analyzed, its usage spans various contexts, most commonly appearing in News & Media, Sports, and Travel. While "boast" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying arrogance, it generally maintains a neutral register. For alternative expressions, consider "take pride in", "feature", or "flaunt", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The key is to use "boast" judiciously, ensuring that the subject genuinely possesses the quality being highlighted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brag about

Focuses more on the act of excessive self-praise.

take pride in

Emphasizes a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

show off

Highlights the intention to impress others.

flaunt

Implies a more ostentatious and attention-seeking display.

vaunt

A more formal and less common synonym for boast, suggesting exaggerated praise.

exult in

Emphasizes a feeling of triumphant joy and celebration.

possess

Shifts the focus to ownership or inherent quality rather than outward expression.

feature

Highlights a particular aspect or characteristic.

lay claim to

Suggests asserting a right or achievement.

take credit for

Focuses on receiving recognition for an accomplishment.

FAQs

How can I use "boast" in a sentence?

You can use "boast" to describe something that possesses a noteworthy feature, as in "The hotel "boasts" stunning views" or to describe someone bragging, like "He "boasted" about his accomplishments".

What are some alternatives to using "boast"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "take pride in", "feature", or "flaunt". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "boast" in formal writing?

While "boast" is acceptable, in formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "feature" or "possess" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "boast" and "brag"?

"Boast" can describe possessing a quality, while "brag" almost always implies excessive self-praise. For example, "The city "boasts" a rich history" is neutral, while "He "bragged" about his wealth" suggests arrogance.