brag about

USAGE SUMMARY

"brag about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone is talking in an overly proud or boastful way about themselves. Example sentence: My brother always brags about his job, but I don't think he likes it very much.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why brag about….

The New Yorker

Something to brag about".

The New Yorker

Second-dumbest, something to brag about".

The New Yorker

So what's to brag about?

Forbes

They brag about it.

The Guardian

Brag about Web site.

The New York Times

Let's even brag about it.

The New York Times

Others brag about past achievements.

Independent

And then brag about it".

The New York Times

He doesn't like to brag about himself.

The New York Times

Do you brag about your children?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brag about", consider the audience and context to avoid sounding arrogant or insensitive. Focus on achievements that are genuinely impressive or meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "brag about" in formal or professional contexts. Opt for more neutral language such as "highlight", "showcase", or "emphasize" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brag about" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "brag" is the verb, and "about" is a preposition forming a phrasal verb. It indicates the act of speaking with excessive pride or boasting regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brag about" is a common verb phrase used to describe boastful or excessively proud communication. While grammatically correct and widely used, it often carries a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. When writing, it's crucial to consider the context and audience to avoid sounding arrogant. Alternatives like "boast about" or "show off" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, but less so in Formal and Scientific writing. Being aware of these factors can help you use the phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boast about

Shares a high degree of similarity, emphasizing excessive pride in one's achievements or qualities.

show off

Implies displaying achievements or possessions in a way intended to impress others.

crow about

Suggests triumphantly boasting about something, often after a victory or success.

flaunt

Highlights ostentatious display and emphasizes the act of parading something to gain attention.

trumpet

Suggests making something widely known, often with excessive enthusiasm or publicity.

exult in

Focuses on expressing great joy or triumph, often with an element of boastfulness.

revel in

Emphasizes enjoying something greatly, sometimes to the point of being boastful.

take pride in

Highlights a feeling of satisfaction in one's accomplishments or qualities, which can be expressed boastfully.

sing the praises of

Indicates speaking highly of something, potentially in an exaggerated or boastful manner.

talk big

Implies speaking boastfully or exaggerating one's importance or achievements.

FAQs

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

You can use "brag about" to describe someone who is boastfully talking about their accomplishments, for example: "He likes to "brag about" his new car all the time."

What are some alternatives to "brag about"?

Alternatives include "boast about", "show off", or "crow about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "brag about" something?

While often negative, "brag about" can be used neutrally or even positively in informal settings to express pride or excitement about an achievement. The context and tone are crucial.

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

"Brag about" and "boast about" are largely synonymous. However, "boast about" might carry a slightly stronger connotation of arrogance or self-importance than "brag about".