express an attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express an attitude" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to conveying a particular perspective or opinion through language or behavior. Example: "His words clearly expressed an attitude of superiority towards his classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"The court may mean its opinion to express an attitude, cautioning judges to take care when the enforcement of federal statutes will impose significant financial burdens upon states," Justice Breyer wrote.

The New York Times

They express an attitude and a determination, and pave the way for the two UN covenants, respectively on civil and political rights and on social and economic rights, that followed them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When you express an attitude that half the country considers itself victims, that somehow they want to be dependent on government," Mr. Obama said, "my thinking is, maybe you haven't gotten around a lot".

The New York Times

The reason why scalar particles cannot carry stress is that they express an attitude of the speaker as epistemic sentence adverbs (Sudhoff 2010: 118 119).

Lingua Sinica

Alternatively, non-cognitivists can point out that a sentence can conventionally express an attitude even when uttered by people who don't have the requisite attitude.

SEP

Some such attitudes are essentially two-person attitudes: the interpreter does not just express an attitude in the first-person perspective alone, but rather incurs a commitment or obligation to others by interpreting what others are doing (Brandom 1994, 79).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When a non-cognitivist says that a sentence conventionally expresses an attitude, she means to contrast the mode of expression with saying that one has the attitude.

SEP

Let's hope it expresses an attitude that is now ancient history.

The Guardian

Julie's computerized voice expresses an attitude, even emotions, but the computer has no attitude or emotions.

The New York Times

"It expresses an attitude of character that is so desirable that it is splendid to see in people," Mr. Hinckley said.

The New York Times

He said a key question is why pollsters did not properly account for the difference between people expressing an attitude in a poll and a choice in the ballot box.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using synonyms like "articulate a viewpoint" or "convey a sentiment" to add sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "express an attitude" to describe a static or inherent quality. The phrase implies an active demonstration or communication of a feeling or belief, not simply possessing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express an attitude" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the act of outwardly displaying one's feelings, beliefs, or opinions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where the phrase clearly demonstrates active communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express an attitude" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe the outward display of one's feelings, beliefs, or opinions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to use it actively, indicating a deliberate demonstration rather than a static state. Alternatives like "convey a sentiment" or "articulate a viewpoint" can add sophistication, depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show a feeling

Focuses on the outward manifestation of an emotion.

convey a sentiment

Focuses on the communication of a feeling or emotion.

communicate a stance

Highlights the act of making a position or viewpoint known.

reveal an opinion

Suggests the unveiling of a previously hidden belief or judgment.

articulate a viewpoint

Emphasizes the clear and coherent expression of a perspective.

voice a belief

Emphasizes the verbal expression of a conviction.

reflect an outlook

Suggests that something is indicative of a particular way of viewing the world.

demonstrate a disposition

Highlights the outward display of an inherent tendency or quality.

disclose an inclination

Focuses on revealing a tendency or preference.

exhibit a mindset

Highlights the demonstration of a particular way of thinking or approaching situations.

FAQs

How can I use "express an attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "express an attitude" to describe how someone outwardly displays their feelings or opinions. For example, "The politician's speech clearly expressed an attitude of defiance".

What's a more formal way to say "express an attitude"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "articulate a viewpoint" or "convey a sentiment" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "express an attitude" and "have an attitude"?

"Express an attitude" implies outward communication or demonstration of a feeling, while "have an attitude" simply indicates possessing a particular disposition, which may or may not be outwardly visible.

What are some other ways to "show a feeling"?

Besides "express an attitude", you can use phrases like "demonstrate a disposition", "reveal an opinion", or "communicate a stance" to describe how someone's feelings become apparent.