rather sheepish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather sheepish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who feels embarrassed or self-conscious about something they have done. Example: "After realizing he had forgotten his friend's birthday, he felt rather sheepish when he finally called to apologize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He was rather sheepish about his request.

The Guardian

At this point, Clark becomes rather sheepish.

The Guardian

4.30pm: First Israeli - rather sheepish - reaction.

The Guardian

Investors nursing large losses are certainly feeling rather sheepish now.

The Economist

Sando is a rather sheepish addition to that history.

The New Yorker

It's a long time ago, but he is still rather sheepish about the memory.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The Chancellor tried to shrug off the chorus of jeers but his laugh appeared rather nervous, even sheepish, as he prepared to present gold to Tunisia's T38 400m champion Mohamed Farhat Chida.

Independent

"This person said to me after dinner — they knew I smoke — 'If you want to smoke pot, go on the balcony.' " Mr. Maher said that most people who abstain from smoking pot at the gatherings he goes to feel "sheepish" rather than ashamed or nerdy.

The New York Times

The fire-engine red of our rented jeep screamed "Tourist!" but such eager aid made us feel much less sheepish, and even rather glad to stand out.

The New York Times - Travel

If this sort of profitability keeps on much longer, banks may find themselves being sheepish about their profits rather braying in press releases about all the records they're setting.

Huffington Post

But rather than basking in the applause, Mr. Bradley looked almost sheepish, stepping backward on the podium and then trying to quiet the crowd like a father with a noisy child, gently repeating, "O.K., O.K".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather sheepish" to describe a mild sense of embarrassment or awkwardness, especially when someone realizes they've made a minor mistake or misjudgment. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "rather sheepish" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct and serious alternatives like "somewhat embarrassed" or "slightly apologetic" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather sheepish" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a subject, typically a person. It describes the subject's emotional state or demeanor. As Ludwig suggests, it indicates a mild sense of embarrassment or awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather sheepish" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a mild sense of embarrassment or awkwardness. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reputable news and media sources, confirming its widespread usage. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts and should be used sparingly in highly formal or professional settings. Alternative phrases, such as "somewhat embarrassed" or "a bit bashful", can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch embarrassed

A more subtle variation, indicating a very slight degree of embarrassment.

somewhat embarrassed

Indicates a slightly more direct expression of embarrassment compared to "rather sheepish".

a bit bashful

Conveys a sense of shyness or coy behavior, slightly altering the focus from mere embarrassment.

a bit ashamed

Emphasizes a feeling of guilt or regret, making it a stronger emotion than "rather sheepish".

slightly awkward

Focuses on the discomfort in a social situation, where "rather sheepish" might imply more personal embarrassment.

a little guilty

Directly conveys a sense of guilt, differing from the general discomfort implied by "rather sheepish".

a little self-conscious

Highlights an awareness of oneself and discomfort with being observed, shifting the focus from regret to self-awareness.

somewhat abashed

Implies a feeling of being humbled or disconcerted, which can be a stronger reaction than "rather sheepish".

mildly contrite

Suggests a formal sense of regret or remorse, which is more pronounced than "rather sheepish".

slightly hesitant

Emphasizes reluctance or unwillingness, which is a different aspect compared to the embarrassment in "rather sheepish".

FAQs

How can I use "rather sheepish" in a sentence?

You can use "rather sheepish" to describe someone who feels mildly embarrassed or awkward about something they've done or said. For example: "He looked "rather sheepish" after admitting he'd forgotten our anniversary."

What are some alternatives to "rather sheepish"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat embarrassed", "a bit bashful", or "slightly awkward" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rather sheepish" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rather sheepish" is generally more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct and serious alternatives such as "somewhat embarrassed" or "slightly apologetic".

What's the difference between "rather sheepish" and "very embarrassed"?

"Rather sheepish" indicates a mild or slight degree of embarrassment, whereas "very embarrassed" implies a much stronger feeling. Use "rather sheepish" when the situation is not particularly severe or the person's reaction is subdued.