showing off

USAGE SUMMARY

"showing off" is correct and usable in written English, particularly to describe someone who is trying to attract or draw attention to themselves.
For example, "The teenager was showing off, walking around the mall with her new designer purse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Was he showing off?

The New Yorker

"Now you're showing off".

The New Yorker

"That's showing off".

The New York Times - Sports

Was I showing off?

The New York Times

Mainly for showing off?

The Guardian - Tech

He is showing off".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

To show off?

Independent

Show off your lashes.

WikiHow

Show off your portfolio.

WikiHow

Show off your manicure!

WikiHow

Show off your shoes.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "showing off" to describe behavior intended to impress or attract attention. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of arrogance or vanity.

Common error

Avoid using "showing off" in situations where genuine achievement or skill is being displayed without the intent to boast. Ensure the action has an element of ostentation or self-aggrandizement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "showing off" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes an action or behavior aimed at impressing others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in describing attention-seeking behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "showing off" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe behavior intended to impress or attract attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid way to express the idea of someone behaving ostentatiously. While it often carries a negative connotation, it can also be used neutrally. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, as well as informal contexts such as Wiki articles. When using "showing off", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the intent behind the described behavior. Alternatives such as "flaunting" or "exhibiting" might be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flaunting

Focuses more on the act of displaying something ostentatiously.

exhibiting

Emphasizes the act of displaying or presenting something.

parading

Suggests a more public and attention-seeking display.

strutting

Implies a confident and often arrogant manner of displaying oneself.

grandstanding

Refers to seeking attention by performing in a showy way.

posing

Suggests a deliberate attempt to create a favorable impression.

ostentatious display

Highlights the excessive and attention-grabbing nature of the display.

making a spectacle of oneself

Emphasizes the public and often negative perception of the display.

putting on a show

Suggests an artificial or theatrical display.

drawing attention to oneself

Focuses on the act of attracting notice.

FAQs

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

You can use "showing off" to describe someone's behavior, such as "He was "showing off" his new car to his friends" or "She accused him of "showing off" during the presentation".

What's the difference between "showing off" and boasting?

"Showing off" is the act of displaying one's abilities or possessions to impress others, while boasting is the act of talking about oneself with excessive pride or self-satisfaction. You can be "showing off" without verbally boasting, and vice versa.

What are some alternatives to "showing off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "flaunting", "exhibiting", or "parading" to describe similar behaviors.

Is "showing off" always negative?

While "showing off" often carries a negative connotation of arrogance or vanity, it can sometimes be used in a neutral or even positive way to describe someone confidently displaying their skills or talents.