show contrition about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show contrition about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing remorse or regret regarding a specific action or situation. Example: "After realizing the impact of his words, he decided to show contrition about his previous comments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Intentionally or not, McClure's argument, and today's impact statements, also echoed an apparent public desire for Ravi to show contrition about Clementi's suicide, despite the fact that the charges against him were not connected to that suicide, whose causes are unknown and perhaps complex.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Jesus says, "Pray, give alms, and show contrition, but don't be a hypocrite about it!" He's not singling out hypocrites as the most egregious sinners.

Huffington Post

If Evans is serious about his rehabilitation he needs to show contrition, play his part in educating the next generation of players on the essential need for consent and get chedevans.com taken down as a matter of urgency.

Independent

Has Benedict done enough to clean house and show contrition?

The New York Times

Blair should show contrition for other errors of judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

During the crisis, banks had to show contrition and bonuses halved.

The Economist

In Paris, priests led barefoot worshippers in processions meant to show contrition.

The New Yorker

If he wants absolution, they say, he needs to show contrition.

The New York Times

But at least back then he had the nous to show contrition.

The Guardian - Opinion

'Show contrition' said George Osborne's notes – but what did that mean?

The Guardian

Hewitt surely had no option but to admit her error and show contrition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show contrition about" when you want to express that someone is outwardly displaying remorse or regret regarding a specific past action or event. It's suitable when the demonstration of regret is visible or expressed.

Common error

While "show contrition about" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced expressions like "express remorse for" or "demonstrate regret regarding" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show contrition about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of expressing remorse or regret regarding a specific action or event. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show contrition about" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of expressing remorse or regret for a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while it appears more frequently in news and media contexts, its formality varies. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "express remorse for" or "demonstrate regret regarding" might be more suitable. This expression communicates accountability and aims to mend relationships by outwardly displaying regret, and that visible demonstration distinguishes it from simply apologizing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express contrition for

Uses the same root word but with a different prepositional structure.

express remorse for

Focuses on the feeling of deep regret and sorrow for wrongdoing.

demonstrate regret regarding

Highlights the act of showing or indicating feelings of sadness or disappointment.

feel contrite about

Focuses on the internal feeling of being remorseful.

show remorse over

Similar to showing contrition, but emphasizes the feeling of deep regret.

be penitent for

Highlights a state of being repentant and seeking forgiveness.

lament

Implies a public expression of sorrow or grief.

apologize for

Focuses specifically on offering an apology.

rue

Suggests bitterness or regret about something.

acknowledge fault in

Emphasizes admitting responsibility for an error or mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "show contrition about" in a sentence?

You can use "show contrition about" to indicate that someone is expressing regret or remorse for a specific action. For example, "He needed to "show contrition about" his previous behavior to regain their trust".

What is a more formal alternative to "show contrition about"?

A more formal alternative could be to "express remorse for", which conveys a deeper sense of regret and is appropriate for professional contexts.

Is it always necessary to "show contrition about" something after making a mistake?

While showing contrition can help mend relationships and demonstrate accountability, the necessity depends on the context and the severity of the mistake. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words, and focusing on rectifying the situation might be more effective than simply expressing regret.

What's the difference between "show contrition about" and simply apologizing?

"Show contrition about" implies a visible demonstration of regret, which can include actions, words, and demeanor, whereas simply "apologizing for" is a verbal expression of remorse.