embarrass himself

USAGE SUMMARY

'embarrass himself' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has done or said something awkward or embarrassing. For example: "John tried to show off his skills in front of his co-workers and ended up embarrassing himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

No one wants to embarrass himself.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think Garrison may be setting himself up to embarrass himself by thinking maybe somebody can".

The New York Times - Arts

He just wanted to face a good young player and not embarrass himself.

The New York Times - Sports

We peppered him with questions, hoping to get him to further embarrass himself.

The New Yorker

And Jeter, we know, has way too much pride to embarrass himself on the field.

The New York Times

Like all teen-pop stars, he is willing to embarrass himself to entertain his fans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"He embarrassed himself, embarrassed the franchise.

The New York Times - Sports

Perry embarrassed himself in a televised debate.

The New Yorker

The candidate has merely embarrassed himself.

The New York Times

So he's embarrassed himself there").

The New Yorker

"Jindal is just embarrassing himself".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embarrass himself" when you want to convey that someone's actions or words are likely to cause them shame or humiliation, particularly in a public or social context. Ensure the subject is male, as the reflexive pronoun "himself" indicates.

Common error

Avoid using "embarrass himself" when referring to a female subject; use "embarrass herself" instead. Always ensure the reflexive pronoun agrees in gender and number with the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarrass himself" functions as a verb phrase indicating a reflexive action, where the subject performs an action that negatively affects themselves. Ludwig AI identifies that the structure of this phrase, as evidenced by the examples, follows a standard verb-pronoun pattern, common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sports

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embarrass himself" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a male person causing themselves shame or humiliation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard English grammar rules. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, sports reporting, and general writing, though less so in highly formal or scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the pronoun aligns with the subject's gender and consider alternatives like "humiliate himself" or "make a fool of himself" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humiliate himself

Focuses more intensely on the act of causing oneself to feel ashamed or foolish, suggesting a more severe form of embarrassment.

disgrace himself

Implies a loss of respect or honor, suggesting a more serious and public form of embarrassment.

make a fool of himself

Highlights the act of behaving in a silly or ridiculous manner, leading to self-embarrassment.

make an ass of himself

Uses informal language to suggest that someone behaved foolishly.

lose face

Emphasizes the loss of reputation or standing in the eyes of others.

look ridiculous

Focuses on the outward appearance or perception of being foolish or absurd.

put his foot in his mouth

Refers specifically to saying something tactless or embarrassing.

end up regretting his actions

Highlights the potential for future remorse or regret as a result of one's behavior.

suffer a setback

This refers to experiencing a hindrance or difficulty that is self-inflicted.

make a spectacle of himself

Emphasizes drawing unwanted attention to oneself through foolish behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "embarrass himself" in a sentence?

You can use "embarrass himself" to describe a situation where a male person risks humiliation or shame through their actions or words. For example: "He was afraid to sing in public, fearing he would "embarrass himself"".

What does it mean to "embarrass himself"?

To "embarrass himself" means to do or say something that causes oneself to feel ashamed, foolish, or uncomfortable in front of others. It implies a negative impact on one's self-esteem or reputation.

What are some alternatives to saying "embarrass himself"?

You can use alternatives like "humiliate himself", "disgrace himself", or "make a fool of himself" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "embarrass himself" in formal writing?

Yes, "embarrass himself" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience when choosing the most suitable phrasing. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "discredit himself" may be preferable.