boast over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boast over" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It can be used when referring to someone expressing pride or bragging about something, but "boast about" is more standard. Example: "He tends to boast over his achievements, which can be off-putting to others."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But considering the associations in Catalonia, of which Barcelona is the capital, reportedly boast over 165,000 members (about 2percentt of the Catalonian population) it's clear that there's a dedicated network of patrons in the area.

Vice

Not only are we profitable, but we boast over a million unique visitors most months.

The New York Times - Tech

I hear this boast over and over, even from people critical of the political system.

The New York Times

Even today, professional men in Hlabisa boast over beers about extramarital affairs and the pleasures of unprotected sex.

The New York Times

The word is this is fewer than in previous years notwithstanding the wintery attractions of nearby Whistler, whose slopes currently boast over seven metres of snow.

The Economist

Tasting blood with that "It's the Sun Wot Won It" boast over Kinnock's 1992 defeat, sheer delight in brute power fires up Murdoch, Paul Dacre and their imitators.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Today, my paperback reprint from Vermilion (an imprint of Random House UK) boasts "over 16m copies sold".

The Guardian - Books

Since then, there have been tensions over copyright and boasting over whose collection is bigger and better.

The New York Times - Books

Boasting "over 20 million ordained worldwide," the organization is a bit like the McDonald's of the wedding industry.

The New York Times

Instagram now boasts over 130 million active monthly users.

TechCrunch

It now boasts over 20.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "boast over", consider whether "boast about" might be a more conventional and widely accepted alternative. Context matters, but clarity and common usage are generally preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "boast over" when a more direct and clear expression like "brag about" or "show off" better conveys the intended meaning. "Boast over" can sometimes sound awkward or less idiomatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boast over" functions as a verb phrase where "boast" is the verb and "over" is a preposition, indicating the object of the boasting. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's often used to express pride or claim superiority regarding something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "boast over" is used to express pride or claim superiority regarding something. Ludwig AI feedback indicates that it is an acceptable but less common variant of "boast about". While grammatically sound, it's recommended to consider "boast about" or other alternatives like "brag about" or "show off" for clarity and broader acceptance. The phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts. Use "boast over" judiciously, being mindful of the potential for misinterpretation or sounding less idiomatic than its alternatives. If you're looking to enhance your writing, remember to choose the phrasing that best suits your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brag about

Emphasizes self-promotion and pride, similar to boasting but perhaps more commonly used.

gloat about

Implies taking pleasure in one's own success or another's misfortune, adding an element of smugness.

crow about

Suggests loudly and triumphantly boasting, often in a somewhat annoying way.

vaunt

A more formal term for boasting, suggesting ostentatious display of achievements.

trumpet

Similar to 'vaunt', indicating a loud and public declaration of success.

show off

Focuses on displaying one's abilities or possessions to impress others.

pat oneself on the back for

An idiomatic expression for congratulating oneself, implying a sense of self-satisfaction.

sing the praises of

Highlights the act of praising someone or something, often excessively.

take pride in

Indicates a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment, less about outward display.

revel in

Implies enjoying something greatly, often achievements, and may involve subtle boasting.

FAQs

Is "boast over" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "boast over" is less common than alternatives like "boast about". Its acceptability often depends on the context and audience.

What's a more common alternative to "boast over"?

A more frequently used alternative is "boast about". Other options include "brag about" or even "show off", depending on the specific connotation you intend to convey.

How do I use "boast over" in a sentence?

You can use "boast over" to express pride in something. For example, "They tend to "boast over" their achievements, which can be off-putting to others."

Is there a difference in formality between "boast over" and "boast about"?

The difference in formality is minimal. However, "boast about" is generally considered more standard and widely accepted, making it a safer choice in formal contexts.