shy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'shy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is timid or reserved. Example sentence: She was very shy and didn't like to be around other people.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once bitten, twice shy".

The New York Times

"I am shy.

The Guardian - Sport

With a 59% drop from the previous frame, Age of Ultron fell harder than any other film in the top 10, and does not look set for a similarly powerful run, probably falling shy of £50m lifetime.

The Guardian - Film

How do shy students cope with the step-up to university, and how would they advise others to overcome their shyness?

The Guardian

"We can offer a space for shy students to reflect on their experience," says a university spokeswoman, "along with structured time with professional emotional practitioners to explore possible contexts of their shyness, and practical tips and tools, such as mindfulness and CBT".

The Guardian

While the majority of those who support it drew their cartoon figure small, with a speech bubble with a reserved statement like, "I'm happy with the Tories" – perhaps showing the student population has "shy Tories" too.

The Guardian

She does not shy away from difficult subjects – including sex, cannibalism, incest, politics, murder, race, sometimes all of them at the same time.

The Guardian - Film

"We like the food now," says softly-spoken Martha, with a shy smile.

The Guardian

As a shy teenager, clothes made me feel better about my crap body; a new shirt still gives me a lift for at least three wears.

The Guardian

The findings should tell political parties that they should not shy from discussing the money needed to ensure the NHS survives and showed that voters might be more willing to pay extra tax for a specific purpose than MPs usually imagined.

The Guardian

During the daylong conference on Tuesday, Clinton, the presumptive Democratic frontrunner for the 2016 presidential race, sketched rough parameters around her anticipated candidacy, making it clear that she won't shy away from gender issues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "shy", consider the specific context and nuances you want to convey. Use related words like "reserved" or "introverted" to provide a more precise description.

Common error

Avoid using "shy" and "introverted" interchangeably. "Shy" implies social anxiety or fear, while "introverted" simply means someone prefers solitary activities to social ones. Someone can be introverted without being "shy".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "shy" primarily functions to describe a person's character or behavior, indicating they are timid, reserved, or easily embarrassed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common descriptor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "shy" is a grammatically sound and common adjective used to describe someone who is timid or reserved. As Ludwig AI states, it's perfectly usable in written English. While it's most frequently encountered in News & Media, "shy" maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "shy", remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid confusing it with related terms like "introverted". Remember to follow the best practices and use alternatives such as "timid", "bashful" or "reserved" if you want to be more specific.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

timid

Focuses on a general lack of courage or assertiveness.

bashful

Implies a childlike innocence and coyness.

reserved

Suggests a deliberate holding back of one's thoughts and feelings.

diffident

Emphasizes a lack of self-confidence and hesitancy in social situations.

reticent

Highlights a reluctance to speak or reveal one's thoughts.

introverted

Describes a preference for solitary activities and a tendency to avoid social interaction.

hesitant

Conveys a pausing or delay due to uncertainty or reluctance.

coy

Suggests a deliberate attempt to appear shy or modest, often in a flirtatious way.

withdrawn

Indicates a physical or emotional retreat from social interaction.

sheepish

Expresses embarrassment or guilt, often accompanied by a timid demeanor.

FAQs

How can I use "shy" in a sentence?

You can use "shy" to describe someone who is timid, reserved, or easily embarrassed. For example, "She was a very "shy" girl who didn't like speaking in public."

What are some synonyms for "shy"?

Some synonyms for "shy" include "timid", "bashful", "reserved", and "diffident". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "shy" and "introverted"?

"Shy" implies a feeling of anxiety or discomfort in social situations, while "introverted" simply means someone prefers spending time alone. An introverted person might not necessarily be "shy".

Is it correct to say someone is a "shy person"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say someone is a "shy person". It's a common and easily understood way to describe someone who exhibits shyness.