shy with

USAGE SUMMARY

"shy with" is not a correct phrase to use in written English.
It is missing a verb and does not make complete sense. A correct phrase could be "shy of" or "shy around." Example: - She is shy of new people. - He is shy around big crowds.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Shy, with those huge rings?

The Guardian - Books

Don't be shy with the butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They don't argue anymore, and they're shy with each other.

The New Yorker

"She is shy with strangers," said her mother, Rina.

The New York Times

Do not be shy with the accompanying saucer of salt.

The New York Times - Food

Always short on answers, Morrison is now shy with questions.

The Guardian

But Ms. Drew was not shy with her opinions.

The New York Times

Strangely, I had become more shy with him than before.

The New Yorker

"You shouldn't be shy with me," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Matsuev was not shy with his answer.

The New York Times - Arts

The movie isn't shy with its florid rhetoric.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's behavior, consider using phrases like "shy around" or "shy of" to ensure grammatical correctness while conveying the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "shy with" without a completing verb. Instead, restructure your sentence to include a more grammatically sound alternative such as "shy around" or "uncomfortable with" to clearly convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shy with" functions as an adjective followed by a preposition. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's often considered grammatically incomplete, usually requiring a completing verb or a different preposition to form a complete thought. Ludwig examples show widespread use, albeit often in contexts where it could be improved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shy with" is frequently encountered, particularly in News & Media contexts. However, Ludwig AI correctly identifies it as grammatically incomplete. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, consider using alternatives like "shy around" or "shy of". While "shy with" appears often, especially in informal contexts, refining your phrasing will enhance the precision and professionalism of your writing. The most authoritative sources tend to favor grammatically complete constructions. Pay special attention to this nuance in formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant around

Indicates a hesitance or unwillingness to engage in a particular situation or with certain people.

reserved with

Suggests a restrained or cautious demeanor in interactions, implying a level of emotional distance.

uncomfortable around

Describes a feeling of unease or awkwardness in the presence of someone or something.

bashful towards

Implies a sense of modesty and shyness, particularly in relation to admiration or praise.

diffident in front of

Conveys a lack of self-confidence or assertiveness, especially when facing an audience or authority figure.

hesitant with

Indicates a pause or delay in action or speech, stemming from uncertainty or reluctance.

guarded around

Suggests a cautious and protective attitude, often due to past experiences or fear of vulnerability.

reticent with

Implies a disinclination to speak freely or openly, often due to privacy or discretion.

introverted with

Describes a tendency to focus on internal thoughts and feelings, leading to a preference for solitary activities.

timid around

Conveys a lack of courage or assertiveness, often resulting in avoidance of challenging situations.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the idea of "shy with" in a sentence?

While "shy with" is commonly found, it's grammatically incomplete. Rephrase using alternatives like "shy around", as in "He's shy around new people", or "shy of", as in "She's shy of making mistakes".

What are some alternatives to "shy with" that maintain a similar meaning?

Consider using phrases such as "reluctant around", "reserved with", or "uncomfortable around" to convey similar feelings of unease or hesitation.

Is it more appropriate to say "shy with", "shy of", or "shy around"?

"Shy of" and "shy around" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Shy with", while sometimes encountered, is generally considered incomplete and should be avoided in formal writing.

What is the difference between being "shy around" someone and being ""reserved with"" someone?

While both suggest a degree of emotional distance, "shy around" implies a feeling of nervousness or unease, whereas being ""reserved with"" suggests a more deliberate withholding of emotions or personal information.