brags about

USAGE SUMMARY

"brags about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone boasting or speaking proudly about their accomplishments or possessions. Example: My coworker always brags about how much money he makes, but I don't think he realizes how it makes others feel.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's what it brags about on its sweatshirts and shouts out from its bumper stickers.

The New York Times - Travel

No wonder the numbers that Trump brags about are so inflated.

The New Yorker

"All the things he brags about, I was there helping them be brought about".

The New York Times

Deservedly, he brags about that.

The New York Times

He brags about Dianne Wiest.

The Guardian - Film

Nobody brags about New Jersey.

The New York Times

Amazon brags about its military-friendliness.

The Economist

Yvonne often brags about her cleaning duo.

The New York Times

He brags about his orange juice.

The New York Times

But he brags about its scope.

The New York Times

No one ever brags about them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brags about", ensure the context clearly indicates a sense of boastfulness or excessive pride, differentiating it from simply stating a fact.

Common error

Avoid using "brags about" when a more neutral verb like 'mentions' or 'states' would be more appropriate, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brags about" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating an action of boasting or excessive pride regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase. This aligns with examples where individuals or entities are described as boasting of accomplishments or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brags about" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe someone who boasts excessively. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted in written English. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, often carrying a slightly negative connotation. When writing, it's best to ensure that the context warrants this connotation and that a more neutral term isn't more appropriate. Alternatives such as "boasts of" or "takes pride in" may be suitable in certain situations. Remember to avoid using the phrase in contexts that require a strictly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boasts of

Focuses on the act of boasting, emphasizing the subject of the boast.

shows off

Implies a more visual or demonstrative form of boasting.

flaunts

Emphasizes showing something off in a conspicuous way.

takes pride in

Highlights the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

lauds

Suggests formal praise or commendation.

touts

Implies promotion or advertisement, often with exaggeration.

exaggerates

Highlights the act of overstating or embellishing facts.

makes a spectacle of

Highlights the attention-grabbing nature of the boasting.

struts

Implies an arrogant or pompous manner of displaying something.

puffs up

Implies inflating one's self-importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "brags about" to describe someone who boasts or speaks proudly of their achievements or possessions. For example: "He always brags about his high test scores".

What's a more formal alternative to "brags about"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "boasts of" or "lauds", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say someone "brags about" something?

While "brags about" often carries a negative connotation of excessive pride, it can also be used neutrally to simply state that someone is speaking proudly of something.

What's the difference between "brags about" and "takes pride in"?

"Brags about" suggests a more boastful and potentially irritating display of pride, whereas "takes pride in" implies a more justified and quieter sense of satisfaction.