boasts with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'boasts with' is not usually used in written English. In English, the phrase "boast about" is more commonly used to describe someone talking or expressing pride in their accomplishments. For example: My friend boasts about her academic achievements every chance she gets.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

And he boasts, with good reason, of Spain's economic progress during his seven years in office.

The Economist

"But," he boasts, "with Possibilianism I'm hoping to define a new position".

The New Yorker

It's full of starchy but unmemorable lyrics, streams of soft boasts with barely a metaphor in sight.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Blueprint 3" mixes its boasts with manifestos about the state of hip-hop, which "saved my life," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

He rapped in a rush of words, then pounced on his rhymes, exuberantly mixing boasts with bulletins on the state of hip-hop and urban struggles.

The New York Times - Arts

He orchestrates public shopping sprees and boasts – with alternate touches of humility and pride – of his vast collection of luxury cars.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Country parks boast with special significance because of their localism, naturalness and tranquility.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Unlike Iraq, North Korea is not denying its efforts, but rather boasting with an enthusiasm that makes many analysts suspicious.

The New York Times

As governor of Texas, Bush hewed to a centrist course, working, as he often boasted, with the Democratic­-led State Legislature.

The New York Times

But Scardino has a right to boast with figures like these in such tough times for the media.

The Guardian

Two forthright hip-hop performers, Ms. Tijoux — born in France to Chilean expatriates — and Mala Rodríguez from Spain, mixed rapping and singing to mingle boasting with larger issues.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "boasts with". Instead, use the standard construction "boasts about" or alternative phrases like "takes pride in" for clearer and more grammatically correct writing.

Common error

The preposition "with" does not typically follow the verb "boast". Using "boasts with" can confuse readers. Always use "boasts about" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boasts with" functions as a verb phrase intended to express pride or satisfaction. However, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig identifies the correct and preferred usage is "boasts about".

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "boasts with" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""boasts about"". While the intention is to express pride or satisfaction, the incorrect preposition hinders effective communication. As highlighted by Ludwig, standard English constructions should be preferred in both formal and informal writing. Alternative phrases like "takes pride in" or "is proud of" also offer clearer and more acceptable ways to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boasts about

Replaces the preposition "with" with "about", which is the standard preposition used with "boasts".

brags about

Substitutes "boasts" with the synonym "brags", maintaining the preposition "about".

takes pride in

Replaces "boasts" with a more formal expression indicating satisfaction and pride.

shows off

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate displaying something with pride.

is proud of

Expresses a feeling of pride regarding something.

possesses proudly

Highlights the act of having something and the pride associated with it.

flaunts

A single verb replacement for "boasts with" indicating a showy display.

exhibits with pride

More formal phrasing that emphasizes showing something while being proud.

parades

Implies openly and ostentatiously displaying something.

makes much of

An idiomatic expression meaning to treat something as very important and worthy of praise.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the verb "boast"?

The verb "boast" is typically followed by the preposition "about". For example, you should say "He "boasts about" his achievements" not "He boasts with his achievements."

What can I say instead of "boasts with"?

Instead of "boasts with", you can use alternatives like ""boasts about"", "takes pride in", or "is proud of" depending on the context.

Is "boasts with" grammatically correct?

No, "boasts with" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use with "boasts" is "about". Therefore, the correct phrase is ""boasts about"".

What's the difference between "boasts with" and ""boasts about""?

"Boasts with" is not a standard English construction and should be avoided. "Boasts about" is the correct and commonly used phrase to express pride or satisfaction in something.