express scorn for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express scorn for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's disdain or contempt for a person, idea, or situation. Example: "The critic did not hesitate to express scorn for the film's lack of originality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Speaking privately, some Wall Streeters express scorn for day traders.

The New York Times

Mooney, whose 2005 bestseller The Republican War on Science called attention to the GOP's intolerance for inconvenient information, delves deeper into the dynamic that causes the American right to express scorn for that which independents, moderates and progressives recognize as basic common sense.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The United States, expressing scorn for the offer, said it would press for a new Security Council resolution.

The Economist

Mr. Wasow expressed scorn for executives who hyped the Internet, only to flee when the technology-stock bubble burst last year.

The New York Times

Officials at the Financial Information Services Agency expressed scorn for the deal they inherited, saying it was too generous to Accenture.

The New York Times

Mr. Trump's remarks on Friday came after Mr. Obama, in a brief exchange with reporters at the White House, again expressed scorn for the subject.

The New York Times

Dr. Assad expressed scorn for Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who on Friday announced that he might turn away from further peace talks with the Palestinians.

The New York Times

A variety of administration officials expressed scorn for James L. Jones, the retired Marine general who is national security adviser, while he referred to some of the president's other aides as "the water bugs" or "the Politburo".

The New York Times

This message was indeed different and unconventional, not only for statesmen but for those American bishops and priests who have expressed scorn for the U.N. in their diocesan newspapers, and different also for many of their parishioners who have agreed with them.

The New Yorker

His unsuccessful 1982 campaign for governor of New York was not helped by his publicly expressed scorn for both the New York suburbs and for upstate, or by his calling the state capital, Albany, with a metropolitan-area population of 870,000, "a small town".

The Guardian

An intense, opinionated man who wears a baseball cap during auctions, Mr. Cohen expresses scorn for those who see a television ad on Saturday, drive in from the city on Sunday and head back that evening with a signed contract on a new house.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express scorn for" when you want to clearly articulate a feeling of contempt or disdain towards something or someone. It's particularly effective when describing a reaction or opinion in a formal or journalistic context.

Common error

While "express scorn for" is appropriate in certain contexts, avoid using it excessively or inappropriately, especially in situations requiring diplomacy or sensitivity. Overusing such phrases can make your writing seem overly aggressive or biased. Consider milder alternatives like "disagree with" or "express concern about" when a more neutral tone is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express scorn for" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate a strong feeling of contempt or disdain. It highlights the act of conveying this negative sentiment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express scorn for" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that conveys a strong feeling of contempt or disdain. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "show disdain for" and "display contempt for". It's important to use this phrase judiciously, as overuse or inappropriate application can make writing seem overly aggressive. Understanding its nuances and contexts helps in effectively communicating sentiments of disapproval or contempt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show disdain for

Replaces "express" with "show" and "scorn" with "disdain", emphasizing the outward display of contempt.

display contempt for

Uses "display" instead of "express" and "contempt" instead of "scorn", focusing on a clear demonstration of disapproval.

voice disapproval of

Shifts the focus to the act of voicing negativity rather than direct scorn.

denounce

A more forceful term implying public condemnation.

ridicule

Emphasizes mockery and derision as the means of showing scorn.

deride

Similar to "ridicule" but can also imply a sense of pity or condescension.

scoff at

Suggests a dismissive attitude and lack of respect.

mock

To treat with contempt or ridicule.

disparage

To represent as having little worth.

criticize harshly

Emphasizes the severity of the criticism, implying a strong negative sentiment.

FAQs

How can I use "express scorn for" in a sentence?

You can use "express scorn for" to show a strong feeling of contempt or disdain. For example, "The critic did not hesitate to "express scorn for" the movie's plot."

What are some alternatives to "express scorn for"?

Alternatives include "show disdain for", "display contempt for", or "voice disapproval of", depending on the desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "express scorn for"?

It is appropriate when you want to clearly and strongly convey a sense of contempt or disdain, often in journalistic, analytical, or critical writing.

What is the difference between "express scorn for" and "criticize harshly"?

"Express scorn for" implies a deeper level of contempt and disdain than simply "criticize harshly". The former suggests a strong emotional reaction, while the latter focuses on the act of critical assessment.