feel ashamed

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel ashamed" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but typically refers to experiencing a strong sense of humiliation, guilt, or embarrassment. Example: I couldn't help but feel ashamed when I realized that I had accidentally insulted my boss in front of the entire office.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We don't feel ashamed.

Independent

I feel ashamed.

The Washington Post

Please don't feel ashamed.

The New York Times

— you feel ashamed".

The New Yorker

Do you feel ashamed?

The New Yorker

I don't feel ashamed".

The New York Times - Sports

They feel ashamed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Funny, I didn't feel ashamed.

The New Yorker

"I feel ashamed," he replied.

The New Yorker

Somehow I always feel ashamed.

The New York Times

All Americans should feel ashamed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel ashamed", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the feeling. This adds clarity and emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "feel ashamed" as a generic expression of discomfort. Instead, identify the precise emotion—guilt, embarrassment, regret—and tailor your language accordingly to enhance accuracy and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel ashamed" functions primarily as a predicate expressing a subjective emotional state. It describes the experience of shame, as shown in Ludwig's examples. It is used to convey a sense of remorse, guilt, or embarrassment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel ashamed" is a versatile phrase used to express a sense of guilt, embarrassment, or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and everyday communication. While alternatives like ""feel embarrassed"" or ""feel guilty"" offer nuances, understanding the specific reason for the feeling enhances clarity. Remember, specificity is key to effectively conveying emotions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be ashamed of oneself

Directs the shame inward, at one's own character or actions.

experience shame

Focuses on the experience of shame rather than the feeling.

be filled with shame

Emphasizes the intensity of the feeling.

feel a sense of shame

Emphasizes the recognition and acknowledgement of the feeling.

feel humiliated

Highlights the aspect of being brought low in dignity.

feel embarrassed

Implies a milder form of discomfort and self-consciousness.

feel guilty

Focuses on remorse for a specific action.

be mortified

Suggests extreme embarrassment and humiliation.

hang one's head in shame

Adds a physical manifestation of shame, suggesting deep regret.

feel remorseful

Highlights regret and repentance for a past action.

FAQs

How can I use "feel ashamed" in a sentence?

You can use "feel ashamed" to express a sense of guilt, embarrassment, or regret about something. For example, "I feel ashamed of my behavior at the party."

What are some alternatives to "feel ashamed"?

Some alternatives include "feel embarrassed", "feel guilty", or "feel remorseful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am feeling ashamed"?

Yes, "I am feeling ashamed" is grammatically correct. It uses the present continuous tense, which emphasizes the ongoing nature of the feeling at the moment of speaking.

What's the difference between "feel ashamed" and "be ashamed"?

"Feel ashamed" refers to the emotional experience of shame, while "be ashamed" implies a more enduring state or characteristic. For example, "I feel ashamed of what I did yesterday" versus "I am ashamed of my past mistakes".