show hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

"show hostility" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to describe when someone is exhibiting behavior, attitude, or disposition that is unfriendly or aggressive. Example sentence: The protestors showed hostility after the announcement was made.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr Schröder's crimes have been to show hostility to Vodafone's hostile bid for Mannesmann and to help rescue the struggling construction group Philipp Holzmann.

The Guardian - Business

But most people in Orange City were too polite to show hostility.

The New Yorker

The famous cigarette-holder was just a wooden prop "to show hostility", and as a pretext for keeping her right hand raised to hold attention.

The Guardian

This can bring out the best in them, as when they are inspired to help fellow citizens in need, or the worst, as when they show hostility against others simply because they represent another religious or ethnic group.

Science Magazine

This was undermined by R v F, in which Goff wrote that he "respectfully doubts whether [the requirement to show hostility] is correct", in line with his comment in Collins.

Wikipedia

At the same time, we have a segment of the population, not an insignificant one, who always is ready for confrontation, to take over embassies and show hostility to the world ― and it is protected and it will be impossible to uproot it in our current circumstances.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The PM has shown hostility towards the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other judges have recently shown hostility toward the agency's settlement practices.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney declared that Mr. Obama, through tax policies, federal spending and expansion of regulations, has shown hostility toward entrepreneurial spirit.

The New York Times

They shouted Islamic religious slogans, and showed hostility toward the Shah, the military government, and the United States.

The New Yorker

The Free Exercise Clause, meanwhile, prohibits the state from obstructing religious practice, discriminating against religious organisations or showing hostility toward them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions between groups or individuals, "show hostility" is effective in capturing the sense of active opposition or antagonism. Use specific examples to illustrate how this hostility manifests to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While "show hostility" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly dramatic in certain formal settings. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "express reservations" or "indicate disagreement" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show hostility" functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples of individuals or groups actively displaying antagonism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show hostility" describes the act of expressing antagonistic feelings or actions. Ludwig AI classifies this as grammatically correct and usable. While it appears frequently in news and media contexts, it is less common in formal or academic writing. When choosing this phrase, consider the specific context and intended tone, as more nuanced alternatives may be appropriate. The linguistic analysis shows that this phrase serves to inform about conflict or opposition and maintains a generally neutral register. To enhance clarity and impact in writing, provide specific examples of how hostility is manifested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display animosity

This option uses "animosity" instead of "hostility", highlighting a strong feeling of dislike or hatred.

express antagonism

This phrase uses "antagonism" to emphasize active opposition or dislike.

demonstrate animosity

This alternative highlights the act of actively showing feelings of animosity.

exhibit aggression

This phrase replaces "hostility" with "aggression", focusing on the active display of antagonistic behavior.

manifest aggression

By using "manifest", this phrase implies an outward demonstration of underlying aggressive feelings.

reveal antagonism

This phrase suggests that the antagonism was previously hidden and is now being uncovered.

act aggressively

This is a more direct way of saying "show hostility", focusing solely on the aggressive actions.

behave antagonistically

This alternative emphasizes the manner of behavior as being opposing or hostile.

project animosity

This implies that the animosity is being directed outward, influencing others.

offer resistance

This phrase shifts the focus to the act of resisting, which can often involve showing hostility.

FAQs

How can I use "show hostility" in a sentence?

You can use "show hostility" to describe actions or behaviors that express unfriendliness or opposition. For example, "The crowd began to "show hostility" toward the speaker after the controversial announcement."

What's a more formal way to say "show hostility"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "express dissent", "indicate disapproval", or "register opposition" instead of ""show hostility"" to maintain a professional tone.

Which is correct, "show hostility to" or "show hostility towards"?

Both "show hostility to" and "show hostility towards" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "show hostility towards" is often perceived as slightly more formal.

What can I say instead of "show hostility" when describing subtle negative feelings?

If you want to describe more subtle negative feelings, consider using phrases like "display disaffection", "express coldness", or "reveal indifference" as alternatives to ""show hostility"".