express embarrassment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express embarrassment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of conveying feelings of shame or awkwardness in a situation. Example: "During the meeting, she couldn't help but express embarrassment when her mistake was pointed out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She did not express embarrassment about having been fooled by a teenager.

The New York Times

Many Italians are beginning to express embarrassment over their poor grasp of English, particularly as Internet use spreads and English terms like "killer," "top model," "downsizing" and "welfare" seep into Italian newspapers and conversation.

The New York Times

No one can command an audience quite like Martínez, and he exercised his forum to express embarrassment about last year's meltdown, proclaim himself in excellent shape and take a not-so-veiled shot at a familiar foe, Roger Clemens, by offering a passionate defense of his own performance in an era tainted by steroid use.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The speakers expressed embarrassment and disgust.

The New York Times

Libero's editor grudgingly expressed embarrassment, and its Web site took down the interview.

The New Yorker

Since then, especially in recent years, Israel has expressed embarrassment about the episode and tried to make amends.

The New York Times

Yet like many potential activists, she expressed embarrassment and shame at having taken out such loans in the first place and she prefers not to discuss it publicly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expressing embarrassment about what he termed an "ugly situation," Mr. Hutcherson took full blame for not having caught the rankings change until after the awards had been bestowed.

The New York Times

Still expressing "embarrassment" at his powers and commitment to parliamentary elections in October 2002, the general formally dissolved Parliament and named himself president.

The New York Times

One highly educated Belizean took me aside at a reception and expressed embarrassment that his nation was the setting for the undignified behavior of "Temptation Island".

The New York Times

The reaction of the audience ranged from titters through snickers to peals of laughter, which can also be a way of expressing embarrassment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express embarrassment", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the embarrassment to provide a complete understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "express" for every emotion. Vary your language by using synonyms like "show", "convey", or more descriptive verbs that capture the nuance of the emotion being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express embarrassment" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the act of outwardly displaying the feeling of embarrassment. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which validates its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express embarrassment" is a grammatically correct way to describe the outward manifestation of feeling embarrassed. Ludwig confirms its usability and provides examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While alternatives like "show embarrassment" exist and may be more common in everyday speech, "express embarrassment" is suitable for formal contexts. When writing, consider varying your language to avoid overuse of "express", and always ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the embarrassment for better clarity. The usage appears mainly in news and media and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show embarrassment

Replaces "express" with "show", focusing on the outward display of the emotion.

convey embarrassment

Substitutes "express" with "convey", suggesting the transmission of feelings of embarrassment.

display unease

Replaces embarrassment with a more subtle "unease", softening the emotion.

feel ashamed

Focuses on the internal feeling of shame that often accompanies embarrassment.

exhibit discomfort

Uses "discomfort" to represent the awkwardness associated with embarrassment.

register chagrin

Employs the more formal term "chagrin" to express disappointment and embarrassment.

indicate awkwardness

Highlights the awkwardness aspect of embarrassment, using "indicate" to express it.

reveal sheepishness

Uses "sheepishness" to show a mild form of embarrassment, implying a sense of guilt.

look foolish

Focuses on the perception of appearing silly or ridiculous, often leading to embarrassment.

feel mortified

Indicates an intense feeling of shame and embarrassment, much stronger than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "express embarrassment" in a sentence?

You can use "express embarrassment" to describe someone showing or conveying feelings of awkwardness or shame in a specific situation. For example: "She might "show embarrassment" at the party."

What are some alternatives to "express embarrassment"?

Some alternatives include "show embarrassment", "convey embarrassment", or "display unease", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more common to say "express embarrassment" or "show embarrassment"?

Both "express embarrassment" and "show embarrassment" are acceptable, but "show embarrassment" might be slightly more common in everyday conversation. "Express embarrassment" can sound more formal.

Can "express embarrassment" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "express embarrassment" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing someone's reaction in a professional or academic context. However, consider whether a more precise verb might better capture the specific nuance of the situation.