boast about

USAGE SUMMARY

'boast about' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when you are bragging about something. For example, "She was always boasting about her success in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mothers boast about their sons' skills.

The New York Times

It is nothing to boast about, though.

The Guardian - Opinion

What are some thing that Christians might boast about?

WikiHow

"They boast about it.

The New York Times

Nothing to boast about.

The New York Times

"They boast about it," he said.

The New York Times

"I won't boast about my son.

The New Yorker

I like to boast about that".

The New Yorker

I boast about all this often.

The Guardian

They boast about scoring federal organic certification.

The New York Times - Food

They don't boast about it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boast about" to express pride in accomplishments, but be mindful of the audience and context, as excessive boasting can be perceived negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "boast about" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language by using synonyms like "take pride in" or "brag about" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boast about" functions as a phrasal verb, where "boast" is the verb and "about" is the preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the act of speaking with excessive pride. The examples show it modifying the actions of people or entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "boast about" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to speak with excessive pride or self-satisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the potential negative connotations of excessive boasting. Alternatives like "take pride in" or "brag about" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in news and media, as well as wiki content, reflecting its acceptability across different contexts. It is, however, prudent to use it judiciously to prevent sounding arrogant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brag about

Similar in meaning, but "brag" often implies a more excessive or annoying form of boasting.

flaunt

Similar to "show off", often implying ostentatious display.

show off about

Emphasizes the intention to impress others with one's achievements or possessions.

exult in

To rejoice greatly; be jubilant or triumphant.

vaunt

A more formal and less common synonym for boasting.

crow about

Suggests triumph and loud, often irritating, boasting.

gloat about

Indicates malicious pleasure or satisfaction in one's own success or another's failure.

trumpet

To proclaim widely or loudly.

take pride in

Highlights the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

sing the praises of

To express enthusiastic approval or admiration.

FAQs

What does "boast about" mean?

"Boast about" means to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

How can I use "boast about" in a sentence?

You can use "boast about" in a sentence like this: "He likes to "boast about" his new car to his friends."

What are some alternatives to "boast about"?

Some alternatives to "boast about" include "brag about", "show off about", or "take pride in".

When is it appropriate to use "boast about"?

It's generally appropriate to use "boast about" when describing someone else's actions, but it's often better to "take pride in" your own accomplishments with humility. Overly boasting can be seen as arrogant.