feel embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel embarrassing" is not correct in standard English.
A more appropriate expression would be "feel embarrassed." Example: "I always feel embarrassed when I trip in public."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

You need to have a language about mental health at home and at school so you can talk about your emotions and tackle them early, rather than having to tackle it when you're self-harming or feeling suicidal". It might feel embarrassing at first – but talking to the people you love, and who love you, can help.

The Guardian

Such revelations can feel embarrassing.

Harvard Business Review

Even the most ordinary things can feel embarrassing.

The New Yorker

By making failure silly and fun, DoSomething.org takes the sting out of what might otherwise feel embarrassing.

Harvard Business Review

It might feel embarrassing at first – but talking to the people you love, and who love you, can help.

The Guardian

That same Time Out article suggests that UK comedy albums were more musical (or indeed, music hall) than their American equivalents – an inheritance that came to feel embarrassing to the "comedy is the new rock'n'roll" 90s generation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I feel embarrassed now.

The New Yorker

Clearly, I feel embarrassed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Greg Dyke must feel embarrassed.

The Guardian

He added: "I feel embarrassed.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't feel embarrassed by this.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of saying "feel embarrassing", use the correct form "feel embarrassed". For example, say "I feel embarrassed when I make a mistake" instead of "I feel embarrassing when I make a mistake".

Common error

Avoid using the adjective "embarrassing" when you mean to use the past participle "embarrassed". "Embarrassing" describes something that causes embarrassment, while "embarrassed" describes the feeling of being embarrassed. So, avoid saying "I feel embarrassing" and instead say "I feel embarrassed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel embarrassing" functions as a verb followed by an adjective. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically incorrect. The proper construction should use the past participle "embarrassed" to describe the feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "feel embarrassing" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "feel embarrassed". This phrase aims to express a personal sensation, but the improper use of the adjective instead of the past participle results in an inaccurate expression. To avoid this error, remember that "embarrassing" describes something causing the feeling, while "embarrassed" describes the state of experiencing it. Consider alternatives like ""feel ashamed"" or ""feel awkward"" to convey similar meanings with correct grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel ashamed

Replaces "embarrassing" with "ashamed", indicating a stronger sense of guilt or regret.

feel awkward

Substitutes "embarrassing" with "awkward", suggesting a feeling of unease or clumsiness in a social situation.

feel self-conscious

Replaces "embarrassing" with "self-conscious", emphasizing awareness of oneself and concern about being judged.

feel humiliated

Uses "humiliated" instead of "embarrassing", conveying a stronger sense of having one's pride or dignity injured.

feel foolish

Employs "foolish" in place of "embarrassing", suggesting a sense of having acted in a silly or ridiculous way.

feel mortified

Replaces "embarrassing" with "mortified", indicating a feeling of extreme embarrassment or shame.

feel abashed

Substitutes "embarrassing" with "abashed", suggesting a feeling of being disconcerted or ashamed.

feel uncomfortable

Uses "uncomfortable" instead of "embarrassing", conveying a general sense of unease or distress.

feel chagrin

Replaces "embarrassing" with "chagrin", indicating a feeling of vexation marked by disappointment or humiliation.

feel sheepish

Substitutes "embarrassing" with "sheepish", suggesting a feeling of being embarrassed or lacking self-confidence.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say you experience embarrassment?

The correct way to express that you are experiencing embarrassment is to say "I feel embarrassed". The adjective "embarrassing" describes something that causes the feeling, while the past participle "embarrassed" describes the feeling itself.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel embarrassing"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "feel embarrassed". The word "embarrassing" is an adjective that describes something that causes embarrassment, not the feeling itself.

What are some alternatives to saying "I feel embarrassed"?

Depending on the context, you could say "I "feel ashamed"", "I "feel awkward"", or "I "feel self-conscious"".

What's the difference between "I feel embarrassing" and "I feel embarrassed"?

"I feel embarrassing" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "I feel embarrassed". "Embarrassing" is an adjective used to describe something that causes embarrassment, while "embarrassed" is a past participle describing the state of feeling embarrassed.