show contrition for

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Blair should show contrition for other errors of judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, she broadened her indictment of Mr. Trump beyond the 2005 recording, assailing him for refusing to show contrition for his many inflammatory statements.

The New York Times

Matt Daniels, Palo Alto, California How to make amends Regarding the article "Irritation grows in U.S.-China relations" (Feb., 20): As an American living overseas, I've been observing Chinese ire over President Obama meeting with the Dalai Lama and wondering how Americans can show contrition for this offense to the Chinese leadership.

The New York Times

There does remain a way back for Tevez at City should he show contrition for his actions in the Champions League game and apologise to Mancini, who said the striker was "finished" with the club on the night, although that appears highly unlikely.

The Guardian - Sport

His steadfast belief in his innocence may have been a hindrance to his release: a parole board turned down his request after he declined to confess and show contrition for the crime.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was a performance that ranged from mediating behind closed doors — Mr. Obama personally intervened in a spat between the French and Chinese leaders — to a carefully calculated news conference in which he reached deep into history, showed contrition for the failings of Wall Street, and forecast a road the world could no longer travel.

The New York Times

He has shown contrition for some of his most over-the-line jokes, and fundamentally, it does not seem like he actually holds these beliefs, nor is his goal to spread hatred.

Forbes

There is a "good victim" in the Jeremy Kyle universe: those who admit their flaws, the mistakes that have bought them here, show contrition, show love for their children.

Vice

The acrimony was punctuated by Trump's bombast, as the president refused to show contrition or take responsibility for his party's washout in many suburban areas where voters who previously backed Republicans rejected the president's hard-line politics.

The Washington Post

But in reality, he has to show contrition to make it easier for another team to hire him, and thus has now apologized to not only his team and its leadership, but an entire city.

Huffington Post

A tribunal headed by Michael Beloff QC imposed an additional two-year suspended ban on Asif and an additional five-year suspended ban on Butt, who were criticised in the aftermath for failing to show contrition.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show contrition for", ensure the context clearly specifies the action or behavior for which remorse is being expressed. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "show contrition for" without explicitly stating what the contrition is for. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of the expression. Always clearly link the contrition to the specific action or event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show contrition for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action of displaying remorse or regret for a specific action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples where individuals or entities express regret for past actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show contrition for" is a way to express regret or remorse for a specific action. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a formal or professional tone. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly specify the action for which contrition is being expressed to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "express remorse for" or "demonstrate regret for" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of responsibility and sorrow for a mistake or wrongdoing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Express remorse for

Focuses on the expression of remorse rather than the act of showing it. The structure emphasizes verbal communication of regret.

Demonstrate regret for

Highlights the demonstration of regret, implying a more active and visible display of remorse. It suggests behavior that reflects sorrow.

Acknowledge fault for

Emphasizes the acceptance of responsibility for an error or wrongdoing. It directly indicates admitting to having made a mistake.

Take responsibility for

Highlights the act of accepting accountability. It focuses on assuming ownership of the consequences of an action.

Apologize for

A more direct expression of regret, focusing on the act of saying sorry. It is a straightforward way to convey remorse.

Make amends for

Suggests taking action to correct a wrong or compensate for a misdeed. It focuses on restorative efforts.

Express regret over

Similar to "express remorse", but uses "over" instead of "for", which can subtly shift the focus to the feeling of regret itself.

Be apologetic about

Describes the state of being apologetic or expressing sorrow. It emphasizes the demeanor of the person.

Lament actions

Focuses on expressing grief or sorrow about past actions. It suggests a deeper sense of sadness.

Feel contrite about

Highlights the internal feeling of contrition, emphasizing the emotional aspect of regret. It focuses on the subjective experience of remorse.

FAQs

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

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

What's a formal alternative to "show contrition for"?

A more formal alternative is "express remorse for". For example, instead of saying "He should "show contrition for" his actions", you could say "He should express remorse for his actions".

Is it better to "show contrition" or "express remorse"?

"Show contrition" emphasizes the demonstration of regret, while "express remorse" focuses on the verbal or emotional communication of regret. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight actions or words.

What does it mean to ""show contrition for"" something?

To ""show contrition for"" something means to demonstrate sincere regret and remorse for a wrongdoing or mistake, often through actions, words, or attitude.