shred of respectability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shred of respectability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small amount of respectability or dignity that someone or something has left. Example: "After the scandal, he was left with only a shred of respectability in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The only reason that either party or army still has a shred of respectability left is that each contains senior figures who are appalled at the violence Mr Deng is doing to China.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some teensy weensy shred of educational value?

The New Yorker

"Kossacks" brutally crushing any shred of resistance.

The Guardian

It is defiant – the desperate act of men too profoundly convinced of the rottenness of our civilisation to want to save a shred of its respectability".

The Guardian - Arts

"Maybe there was a shred or two of respectability still clinging to me then.

The New Yorker

PiS's veneer of respectability is probably tarnished for good.

The Economist

A medical degree is a universal badge of respectability.

The Economist

In agrarian societies the elderly have a status of respectability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The car became a common badge of respectability.

Independent

"Jobs," they announce, with a roster of respectability: Marriott Hotels.

The New York Times

These days, the show has won an air of respectability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shred of respectability" when you want to emphasize the small amount of respect or dignity remaining after a damaging event or series of events. It's particularly effective when highlighting a loss or near-total erosion of credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "shred of respectability" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like 'diminished credibility' or 'compromised reputation'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shred of respectability" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the remaining portion of a previously held positive attribute, implying a significant decline in reputation. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shred of respectability" is a noun phrase used to describe the small amount of reputation or dignity that remains after a significant loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While other options exist such as "semblance of respectability", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that while this phrase is correct to use, it is better to avoid it in overly formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vestige of respectability

Focuses on the remaining trace or sign of respectability, implying a gradual disappearance.

semblance of respectability

Highlights a superficial appearance of respectability, potentially masking underlying issues.

hint of respectability

Emphasizes a subtle and barely noticeable presence of respectability.

degree of respectability

Indicates a certain measure or level of respectability, suggesting it's not absolute.

iota of respectability

Stresses an extremely small amount of respectability, almost insignificant.

fragment of respectability

Suggests that respectability is broken or incomplete, with only a part remaining.

element of respectability

Highlights that there's an individual component or quality that signals some respectability.

touch of respectability

Similar to 'hint', this means an understated aspect that may cause to think there is respectability

air of respectability

Focuses on an apparent attribute, it may or may not be real.

veneer of respectability

The word "veneer" implies an artificial attribute with the purpose of trying to show some non existing quality.

FAQs

How can I use "shred of respectability" in a sentence?

You can use "shred of respectability" to describe a situation where someone or something has lost most of its reputation or dignity. For example, "After the scandal, he was left with only a "shred of respectability" in the community".

What phrases are similar to "shred of respectability"?

Similar phrases include "vestige of respectability", "semblance of respectability", or "hint of respectability", each conveying a slightly different nuance of diminished or compromised reputation.

Is it better to say "shred of respectability" or "degree of respectability"?

The choice depends on the context. "Shred of respectability" emphasizes a very small amount, implying a significant loss. "Degree of respectability" "degree of respectability" suggests a measurable level, which might be higher than a "shred".

When is it appropriate to use "shred of respectability" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the near-total loss of esteem or credibility. It is more suitable for journalistic or descriptive writing than for formal academic contexts.