bursts of ego

USAGE SUMMARY

'bursts of ego' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to mean an instance or moment of excessive pride or self-importance. For example, "The actor's success was followed by bursts of ego as he took every opportunity to brag about his accomplishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But those bursts of ego?

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If Minnesota is her soulmate, New York is the lover out of her league — temporarily attained and a cause of hastily adopted habits, bursts of ego-affirming ecstasy and long stretches of profound loneliness.

The New York Times - Books

In a burst of ego and braggadocio, Cohan surged from vaudeville to Broadway at the turn of the century.

The New York Times

I think that maybe as we get used to the blessed freedom of the Internet, we will calm down a little… De Tocqueville said somewhere that in the wake of a democratic revolution you get both an explosion of fellow-feeling, generosity, solidarity, and also a burst of ego, aggression, other-annihilating contempt.

The New Yorker

Pompey, in a burst of ego, decided to have African elephants, rather than the traditional white horses, pull his chariot in the first of his three triumphs.

Los Angeles Times

Out of the apparently diplomatic conformity of mid-twentieth-century American realism — the sort of style that made short stories commercially salable — bursts the monstrous ego of Yates's male characters, smashing all the eggshell niceties.

The New Yorker

Results of Ego Surfing, March 2001.

University of California, Berkeley

The banality of ego.

The New York Times

Flashes of ego are not.

The New York Times

Critical size of ego communication networks.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(A total absence of ego).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bursts of ego" to describe a temporary and noticeable increase in someone's self-importance or arrogance, especially when it contrasts with their usual behavior or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "bursts of ego" to simply describe confidence or self-assuredness. The phrase implies a level of arrogance or inflated self-importance that is often perceived negatively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bursts of ego" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes instances or moments characterized by heightened arrogance or self-importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bursts of ego" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe temporary displays of excessive pride or self-importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable part of English writing, primarily functioning to critique someone's behavior. While not exceedingly common, with an "Uncommon" frequency, it appears in a range of contexts, from News & Media to Academia. Use this phrase judiciously to describe moments of heightened arrogance, remembering that it carries a negative connotation and is distinct from simple confidence. Consider alternatives such as "moments of arrogance" or "displays of vanity" to fine-tune your message. Overall, "bursts of ego" is a useful tool for describing specific instances of inflated self-importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moments of arrogance

Replaces "ego" with a more explicitly negative term, emphasizing the overbearing nature of the self-importance.

displays of vanity

Focuses on the outward manifestation of excessive pride, particularly in one's appearance or achievements.

outbreaks of conceit

Highlights the sudden and often inappropriate nature of the self-flattery.

episodes of self-importance

Emphasizes the feeling of being superior to others, suggesting temporary instances.

flashes of hubris

Conveys a sense of excessive pride that may lead to downfall or negative consequences.

surges of self-admiration

Focuses on the intense and sudden feelings of satisfaction with oneself.

waves of egotism

Emphasizes the selfish and self-centered aspect of excessive pride.

fits of vainglory

Highlights the boastful and ostentatious display of one's accomplishments.

eruptions of pride

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful expression of self-satisfaction.

inflated self-esteem instances

Focuses on moments when someone's opinion of themself is unreasonably high.

FAQs

How can I use "bursts of ego" in a sentence?

You can use "bursts of ego" to describe moments when someone displays excessive pride or self-importance. For example, "The comedian's success led to "bursts of ego", as he constantly reminded everyone of his achievements."

What are some alternatives to "bursts of ego"?

Alternatives include "moments of arrogance", "displays of vanity", or "outbreaks of conceit", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe someone as having "bursts of ego"?

Yes, the phrase "bursts of ego" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is acting in an overly proud or self-important manner. It's generally not used in a complimentary way.

What's the difference between "bursts of ego" and high self-esteem?

"Bursts of ego" suggest a temporary and often exaggerated display of self-importance, while high self-esteem refers to a more stable and positive sense of self-worth. High self-esteem is generally healthy, whereas "bursts of ego" are often perceived negatively.