embarrass me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embarrass me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that has made you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. For example, "I felt so embarrassed when I tripped and fell in front of everyone - it really embarrassed me".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Why would it embarrass me?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But this does not embarrass me".

The New Yorker

TO begin, a confession: Mobcaps embarrass me.

The New York Times - Travel

"It used to embarrass me a lot.

The Guardian

They did not embarrass me alone.

The New York Times

Don't you embarrass me in front of my family!

The Economist

"They wanted to try to embarrass me," he said.

The New York Times

"I didn't want it around to embarrass me.

The New Yorker

Someone wrote that in an attempt to embarrass me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The charge is meant to embarrass me and nothing else.

The Guardian

Notes like that embarrass me, which is great.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "embarrass me" when you want to express that someone or something is causing you to feel ashamed, awkward, or uncomfortable. It's commonly used in both spoken and written English.

Common error

Avoid using "embarrass me" when you actually mean "humiliate me" or "shame me". While related, "humiliate" and "shame" imply a more severe and often public form of embarrassment. "Embarrass" generally refers to a lighter, less damaging feeling of awkwardness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embarrass me" functions as a verb phrase where "embarrass" is a transitive verb and "me" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. This phrase indicates that someone or something is causing the speaker to feel awkward, ashamed, or uncomfortable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "embarrass me" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey feelings of awkwardness or shame. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in both spoken and written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase effectively communicates a sense of vulnerability and discomfort caused by external factors. While alternatives like "humiliate me" or "shame me" exist, they carry a stronger connotation. Therefore, understanding the subtle differences between these options is essential for precise communication. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the intended tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humiliate me

This alternative suggests a more severe form of embarrassment, often involving public shame.

shame me

Similar to "humiliate me", this emphasizes the feeling of disgrace or dishonor.

mortify me

This suggests a very strong feeling of embarrassment, close to humiliation.

make me feel foolish

This phrase focuses on the feeling of being silly or ridiculous.

make me look bad

This alternative highlights the impact on one's reputation or image.

put me to shame

This emphasizes the feeling of being inadequate or inferior.

cause me embarrassment

This is a more formal way of expressing the same idea.

catch me out

This implies revealing a mistake or secret, leading to embarrassment.

expose me

Suggests revealing something private or damaging, leading to embarrassment.

make me uncomfortable

This alternative is broader, encompassing feelings beyond just embarrassment.

FAQs

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

You can use "embarrass me" when describing actions or situations that make you feel ashamed or uncomfortable. For example, "Don't "embarrass me" in front of my family!" or "It would "embarrass me" to admit I was wrong".

What's the difference between "embarrass me" and "shame me"?

"Embarrass me" generally refers to a feeling of awkwardness or mild discomfort. "Shame me", on the other hand, implies a stronger feeling of disgrace or dishonor. "Shaming" often involves a public or moral dimension not necessarily present in embarrassment.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "embarrass me"?

While "embarrass me" is generally acceptable in most contexts, avoid using it in very formal or professional settings where a more nuanced or sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider using phrases like "cause me discomfort" or "make me feel awkward" in those situations.

What can I say instead of "embarrass me"?

You can use alternatives like "humiliate me", "mortify me", or "make me feel foolish" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.