out of spite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of spite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken with the intention of causing harm or annoyance to someone else. Example: "She decided to leave the party early, out of spite for her ex-boyfriend who was attending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I still want to switch out of spite," he said.

The New York Times

She is doing this out of spite".

The New Yorker

Out of spite.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Just out of spite," said a neighbour.

The Guardian

Sam Once we heard we were recommissioned out of spite.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think he did it out of spite.

The Guardian - Music

The second time I did do it out of spite.

The New York Times - Sports

Gingrich continues on completely out of spite, thank God.

The Guardian - Opinion

They dug him up and hung him out of spite.

The New Yorker

You're saying he opposed the tax cuts out of spite?

The New York Times - Magazine

He is not doing it out of spite.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of spite", ensure the context clearly indicates the target of the spite and the action taken as a result. This will make the sentence more impactful and easier to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "out of spite" when a milder term like "disagreement" or "annoyance" would be more appropriate. "Out of spite" implies a deliberate act to cause harm or upset someone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of spite" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the motivation behind an action. It describes the reason why something is done, specifically highlighting that the action is driven by a desire to annoy or harm someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of spite" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates an action is motivated by a desire to annoy, frustrate, or harm someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase that is widely accepted in various contexts. Its usage is prominent in News & Media. When writing, ensure the context appropriately reflects the intent behind the action, and consider alternatives such as "from malice" or "due to resentment" to add nuance. Be mindful of not overstating the intensity, reserving "out of spite" for deliberate acts of causing harm or upset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from malice

Indicates a desire to cause harm or suffering, emphasizing the intent behind the action.

due to resentment

Highlights the feeling of bitterness or indignation as the cause of the action.

because of animosity

Focuses on a strong feeling of dislike or hostility as the driving force.

in retaliation

Implies an action taken to avenge a perceived wrong or injury.

prompted by bitterness

Emphasizes the negative emotion fueling the action.

motivated by vindictiveness

Suggests a strong desire for revenge.

out of animus

Similar to malice, but with a more focused sense of ill will.

as an act of revenge

Directly states the intention to inflict harm in return for something suffered.

from vengefulness

Highlights the desire to punish someone for a perceived wrong.

with malicious intent

Clearly indicates a harmful or evil purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "out of spite" in a sentence?

You can use "out of spite" to describe an action motivated by a desire to annoy, frustrate, or harm someone. For example, "He deleted the files "out of spite" after being fired".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "out of spite"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "from malice", "due to resentment", or "because of animosity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "out of spite"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and proper in various contexts.

What's the difference between "out of spite" and "out of anger"?

"Out of spite" implies a deliberate intent to harm or annoy someone, while "out of anger" suggests an action driven by strong emotion, possibly without the same level of premeditation. Spite is more calculated.