shrug it off

USAGE SUMMARY

"shrug it off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an attitude of resignation and indifference towards something. Example: We can't control the situation, so we should just shrug it off and move on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let us shrug it off.

The New Yorker

They shrug it off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We shrug it off.

The Guardian - Books

Others shrug it off.

The Guardian

But no one can shrug it off.

The New York Times

Most people just shrug it off".

The New York Times

"We can't shrug it off our shoulders".

The New Yorker

Allen Dawson would shrug it off.

The New York Times - Sports

The Unigo staff members shrug it off.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can't just shrug it off".

The New York Times

He could afford to shrug it off.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrug it off" when you want to convey a sense of nonchalance or resilience in the face of minor setbacks or criticisms. It is appropriate when the subject chooses not to be bothered by something.

Common error

Avoid using "shrug it off" when the situation requires a serious response or action. It should not be used to dismiss legitimate concerns or problems that need addressing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shrug it off" is that of a phrasal verb. It's used transitively to describe the act of dismissing or ignoring something, as seen in Ludwig's examples where people "shrug it off" in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrug it off" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to express the act of dismissing or ignoring something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it conveys a sense of indifference or resilience. While it appears across various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media, as well as in informal settings. When considering alternative phrases, options like ""dismiss it"" or ""brush it aside"" offer similar meanings. Remember to use "shrug it off" judiciously, avoiding its application in situations requiring serious attention or empathy. The usage examples confirm that it is a good expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brush it aside

This suggests a quick and dismissive reaction, minimizing the importance of something.

dismiss it

This alternative focuses on the act of rejecting something as unimportant.

let it go

This implies releasing any negative feelings or dwelling on something.

not give it a second thought

This suggests that something is so unimportant that it doesn't warrant further consideration.

disregard it

This suggests ignoring something because it's not deemed relevant or significant.

not worry about it

This directly states a lack of concern or anxiety regarding something.

overlook it

This implies a conscious decision to ignore something, often a mistake or fault.

pay no attention to it

This emphasizes a deliberate choice to ignore something completely.

take it in stride

This indicates handling a difficult situation calmly and without getting upset.

make light of it

This means to treat something serious as though it is not important or not serious.

FAQs

How can I use "shrug it off" in a sentence?

You can use "shrug it off" to indicate that someone is dismissing or ignoring something. For example, "He tried to "shrug it off" as just another mission, but it was obviously bothering him."

What's a good alternative to "shrug it off"?

Alternatives include "dismiss it", "disregard it", or "brush it aside". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "shrug it off"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the situation calls for a serious response or action. Using "shrug it off" might suggest a lack of empathy or concern when those are needed. Be mindful of the context.

What does it mean to "shrug something off"?

To "shrug something off" means to dismiss it, ignore it, or treat it as unimportant. It often implies a casual or nonchalant attitude toward something that might otherwise be bothersome or concerning.