shyly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shyly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone did something while feeling shy or embarrassed. For example, "She stepped shyly into the room, feeling a little overwhelmed by the large crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These sort of questions shine shyly through the action of the film all the way through," the critic wrote.

The Guardian - Arts

But we wanted to have a laugh tonight, for once, because it's the weekend," said David, 17. Fofana wore a jewel-blue dress to match her aquamarine hair extensions, and smiled shyly at David's compliments as they joined a group of sharply dressed friends at the Fatou Rose hotel, the town's crown jewel, whose tiled façade rises two storeys above the dusty streets.

The Guardian

Born Nathan Thompson – he was nicknamed Giggs because of his tendency to slyly, even shyly, giggle, often at the absurdity of a given situation – he was influenced by the original sinners NWA and dirty south hip-hop.

The Guardian - Music

The third card was played a day later, when Mr Medvedev shyly let it be known that, when he duly becomes president, he wants Mr Putin himself to serve as his prime minister.The cynicism of the Kremlin's "Operation Successor", which is what it calls the presidential election, is worthy of the old KGB (which employed a younger Mr Putin).

The Economist

Asked why he chose to take up arms, Singoma Mapisa fiddled shyly with his new Seiko watch a happy acquisition on a Congolese soldier's pay of nothing and replied: "The Lendus murdered my parents.

The Economist

In September a government report on foreign policy broke a taboo and raised the question of Swiss EU accession albeit "very shyly", in the words of Christa Markwalder, a Liberal, pro-European member of parliament.

The Economist

Her brother, she adds shyly, is so proud that she is an "Infoscion".He is in the rural world where 70% of Indians reside: cultivating the family plot in Bannahalli Hundi, a village near Mysore.

The Economist

Slender and frail, he says he is 17 but seems younger as he basks shyly in the praise of the men gathered in a garden in Srinagar, summer capital of Indian-ruled Kashmir.

The Economist

Visible on the page is a delicately playful strewing of words, looking to engage with each other in a shyly puzzled fashion.

The Economist

Shyly, Mr Gref replied, "We will do our best".

The Economist

In Balteni, a blonde girl, Roxana, shyly shows off a necklace of seven big gold coins given to her as a mark of impending puberty; not born a Roma, she was adopted from an orphanage into the family of a local patriarch.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions, consider using "shyly" to create a sense of vulnerability or innocence, enhancing the reader's empathy for the character.

Common error

Avoid overusing "shyly" when a different adverb more accurately describes the manner of action. For example, using "quietly" might be more appropriate if the intent is to convey a lack of sound, rather than shyness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shyly" is as an adverb, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is done in a shy or timid way. For example, "She smiled shyly."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shyly" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions performed with timidity or a lack of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it adds nuance to character portrayals and scene descriptions. While grammatically sound, consider whether other adverbs might more accurately capture the intended meaning. Remember, "shyly" effectively conveys vulnerability or innocence but should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Replace it with alternatives like "bashfully" or "timidly" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bashfully

Expresses a similar level of shyness, often implying a childlike or innocent demeanor.

timidly

Indicates a lack of confidence and a hesitant approach, emphasizing fear or apprehension.

hesitantly

Focuses on the pause or delay in action due to uncertainty or reluctance.

with reservation

Highlights the act of doing something but with underlying doubt or a guarded approach.

in a withdrawn manner

Emphasizes the internal state of being reserved or detached while performing an action.

with a lack of confidence

Specifically points out the absence of self-assurance in the way something is done.

sheepishly

Suggests embarrassment or guilt along with shyness, often after a minor transgression.

demurely

Conveys a sense of modesty and reserve, often associated with traditional feminine behavior.

reticently

Implies a reluctance to speak or reveal information due to shyness or discretion.

in a subdued way

Highlights the quiet and restrained nature of the action, often due to feeling shy or uncomfortable.

FAQs

How can I use "shyly" in a sentence?

"Shyly" is typically used to modify a verb, indicating that an action is performed in a shy or timid manner. For example, "She "shyly smiled" at him" or "He "shyly approached" the podium".

What are some synonyms for "shyly"?

Alternatives to "shyly" include "bashfully", "timidly", and "hesitantly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "shyly"?

While "shyly" is grammatically correct, it may be inappropriate if the context doesn't involve shyness or timidity. Ensure the adverb accurately reflects the character's state or the manner in which the action is performed.

How does using "shyly" affect the tone of a sentence?

Using "shyly" can soften the tone of a sentence, creating a sense of vulnerability or innocence. It can also imply a lack of confidence or social unease, depending on the context.