don't be bashful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "don't be bashful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to be more confident or outgoing in a social situation. Example: "When you meet new people at the party, don't be bashful; just introduce yourself and start a conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Don't be bashful.

The New York Times

"Come, sweetheart, don't be bashful.

The New York Times

"Don't be bashful," the agent says.

The New York Times

Don't be bashful: be brash, be fresh.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a Dance Pavilion, but don't be bashful about dancing wherever you want.

The New York Times

Don't be bashful about braving the doorman and turning left in the courtyard of the grand apartment building and climbing that flight of stairs to Amina Rubinacci's elegant boutique.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Even if it seems a bit awkward at first do not be bashful about it... just follow the steps, be yourself, and don't forget where you started.

WikiHow

So don't be afraid to approach him and give him a compliment when it's appropriate — there's a decent chance he might even be bashful about it than you.

WikiHow

If he doesn't, we won't be bashful in our response.

The Guardian

4) The Giants' Brandon Jacobs hasn't been bashful about saying that he wants more carries.

The New York Times

We should not be bashful about this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to participate or share their ideas, use "don't be bashful" to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere.

Common error

While "don't be bashful" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings where a more direct or polite phrasing may be more appropriate. For example, use "please feel free to ask questions" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't be bashful" functions primarily as an imperative, urging or encouraging the listener to overcome shyness and act with more confidence. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to create an inviting atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "don't be bashful" is a grammatically correct and relatively informal imperative phrase used to encourage confidence and openness. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for creating an inviting atmosphere. While common in news, media and wiki contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal settings where more direct or polite phrasing is preferred. Consider using alternatives such as "don't be shy" or "feel free" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't be shy

A more common and generally interchangeable alternative.

don't hold back

Encourages unrestrained action or expression.

be bold

Emphasizes assertiveness and confidence to a greater degree.

feel free

Suggests permission and encourages relaxed behavior.

step up

Implies taking initiative and assuming responsibility.

come on out of your shell

An idiomatic expression suggesting a gradual revealing of oneself.

open up

Focuses on expressing emotions and thoughts more freely.

take the plunge

An idiomatic expression for overcoming hesitation and trying something new.

express yourself

Highlights creativity and individual expression.

make yourself at home

Suggests comfort and informality in a particular setting.

FAQs

What does "don't be bashful" mean?

The phrase "don't be bashful" means don't be shy or hesitant. It's an encouragement to be more confident and outgoing in a particular situation.

How can I use "don't be bashful" in a sentence?

You can use "don't be bashful" to encourage someone to express themselves or participate more freely, such as, "If you have any questions, "don't be bashful", just ask."

What are some alternatives to saying "don't be bashful"?

Alternatives to "don't be bashful" include "don't be shy", "feel free", or "don't hold back", depending on the specific context.

Is "don't be bashful" appropriate in all situations?

While generally acceptable, "don't be bashful" might not be suitable for highly formal contexts. In such cases, a more polite phrasing like "please feel free" would be more appropriate.