got shy

USAGE SUMMARY

"got shy" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "When I entered the room full of strangers, I got shy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Even the most outspoken boy got shy.

The New York Times

Later, during a question-and-answer session at the movie's première, at Film Forum, Eggleston got shy again.

The New Yorker

When reporters got shy with the questions after four minutes, he leapt up and hurried out of the room.

The Washington Post

I was reading The Princess And The Pea with him, and everyone thought I put my head on the desk because I was bored, but I wasn't – I got muddled up on a word and I got shy.

The Guardian

Finch explains that the reason is that public investors have got shy but hedge and family offices are still buying.

Forbes

It got shy.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The boy talks about Helen Keller's determination, then gets shy.

The Economist

It's so new to us, we get shy".

The Guardian - Music

They get shy before a foreign native speaker, afraid to make mistakes," Ms. Kim said.

The New York Times - Science

And Stevens and Murkowski, especially, didn't get shy as Alaskan businesses inched up closer to them and their families.That's just one theory, of course.

The Economist

I said that he could see that without doing anything to me, but he said there was no need to get shy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "got shy" to convey a feeling of timidity or social discomfort, especially in situations where they might typically be more outgoing.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid using "got shy" too frequently. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "became reserved" or "lost confidence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got shy" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in emotional state. It describes the action of becoming timid or socially inhibited. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got shy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a transition into a state of shyness. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it's commonly found in news and media, as well as informal writing, it's less frequent in formal or academic contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider the level of formality required, opting for phrases like "became reserved" or "lost confidence" in more formal settings. Remember to use "got shy" to convey a feeling of timidity or social discomfort effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became timid

Replaces "got shy" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a decrease in confidence or boldness.

grew bashful

Substitutes "got shy" with a word suggesting a childlike or innocent form of shyness.

became withdrawn

Emphasizes the act of retreating or becoming less communicative due to shyness.

lost confidence

Focuses on the underlying reason for shyness – a reduction in self-assurance.

felt self-conscious

Highlights the awareness of oneself that leads to shyness, especially in social situations.

became reserved

Suggests a holding back or restraint in behavior due to feeling shy.

felt awkward

Implies discomfort and unease, a common experience when feeling shy.

clammed up

Indicates a sudden silence or refusal to speak, often a physical manifestation of shyness.

froze up

Describes becoming immobile or unable to act due to shyness or nervousness.

became apprehensive

Suggests a feeling of anxiety or fearfulness that contributes to shyness.

FAQs

How can I use "got shy" in a sentence?

You can use "got shy" to describe a feeling of timidity or social discomfort in a specific situation. For instance, "He "got shy" when he had to speak in front of the whole class".

What are some alternatives to "got shy"?

Alternatives include "became timid", "grew bashful", or "lost confidence", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "got shy" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "got shy" may be too informal for academic or business writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "became reserved" or "felt self-conscious" in such contexts.

What's the difference between "got shy" and "became embarrassed"?

"Got shy" typically implies timidity or social discomfort, while "became embarrassed" suggests feeling ashamed or foolish. Shyness is a general disposition, while embarrassment is a reaction to a specific event.