showing hostility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "showing hostility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior where someone is expressing anger, aggression, or unfriendliness towards another person or group. Example: "His tone was sharp, clearly showing hostility towards the opposing team during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

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

The Economist

Front-page splashes in The Daily Mail showing hostility toward migrants in the weeks leading up to last year's "Brexit" vote.

The New York Times

France fiercely defends the use of generous subsidies for its farmers, in the form of the Common Agricultural Policy, while showing hostility towards the arrival of lower-wage workers from new member countries of the European Union.

The Economist

In 1676 Halifax was dismissed from the Council for repeatedly showing hostility to the King's chief minister, Thomas Osborne, earl of Danby; he regained his seat, however, in 1679 and in the same year was created marquess of Halifax.

Britannica

But the extent to which this caused the riots is called into question by my research showing hostility to the police every bit as deep among those who took no part in the riots.

The Guardian - Opinion

The boy's father, Standard (Oscar Isaac), is in jail, and, when he comes out, the Driver, far from showing hostility, befriends him, and offers assistance — a courtly, old-fashioned gesture, as though he lacked any better way of expressing his feelings for Irene.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

The PM has shown hostility towards the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

In examining cases decided under the 1976 Act, we find that courts generally show hostility to the joint work doctrine.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For emphasizing the action and process, rather than the state, consider replacing it with 'displaying', 'exhibiting', or 'demonstrating'. For example, "displaying hostility" indicates a more active expression.

Common error

In academic or professional contexts, repeatedly using "showing hostility" can sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "demonstrating animosity" or "exhibiting aggression" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showing hostility" functions as a verb phrase acting as a descriptor, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the presence of antagonistic behavior or attitude. It's used to describe the act of displaying unfriendly or aggressive sentiments. Ludwig confirms the correct grammatical usage of this expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "showing hostility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the outward expression of antagonism or opposition. As Ludwig confirms, it's appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. While not extremely frequent, it effectively conveys active animosity. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "demonstrating animosity" or "displaying antagonism" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to tailor your word choice based on the specific emotion and context you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrating animosity

Replaces "hostility" with "animosity", indicating a strong feeling of dislike or ill will.

displaying antagonism

Replaces "showing" with "displaying" and "hostility" with "antagonism", suggesting active opposition or dislike.

exhibiting aggression

Conveys a more active and confrontational expression of negative feelings, using "aggression" instead of "hostility".

expressing animus

Uses the more formal term "animus" to denote a strong prejudice or dislike, suitable for formal contexts.

manifesting aversion

Indicates a strong dislike or disinclination, shifting the focus from active hostility to passive avoidance.

betraying antipathy

Implies an unintentional revelation of dislike, using "antipathy" as a synonym for "hostility".

evincing resentment

Suggests a display of bitterness or indignation, often stemming from a perceived injustice.

registering disapproval

Indicates a formal or explicit expression of disagreement or dissatisfaction.

reflecting opposition

Indicates a stance of resistance or disagreement, often in a more subtle or indirect manner.

signaling defiance

Suggests a deliberate act of resistance or disobedience, often against authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "showing hostility" to describe actions or expressions that indicate animosity or opposition. For example: "The politician was accused of "showing hostility" towards immigrants".

What are some alternatives to "showing hostility"?

Some alternatives include "demonstrating animosity", "displaying antagonism", or "exhibiting aggression", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "showing hostility" or "demonstrating hostility"?

Both "showing hostility" and "demonstrating hostility" are grammatically correct. "Demonstrating hostility" might imply a more active or overt display of animosity.

What is the difference between "showing hostility" and "feeling hostility"?

"Showing hostility" refers to the outward expression of negative feelings, while "feeling hostility" refers to the internal experience of such emotions. One is observable behavior, the other is an internal state.