somewhat ashamed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat ashamed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a feeling of mild embarrassment or guilt about something. Example: "After realizing my mistake, I felt somewhat ashamed for not paying closer attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Quarterback Brodie Croyle said Price was "somewhat ashamed, somewhat embarrassed".

The New York Times - Sports

Update, June 1, 10 45 EDT: I'm somewhat ashamed and embarrassed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a meal situation that I am somewhat ashamed of.

The New York Times

After the charitable Cheryl, I was somewhat ashamed, and for a while I couldn't stand to look at Dedo's poetry.

The New Yorker

"When I look back, I feel somewhat ashamed that I got myself in this position," he said.

The New York Times

Sounding somewhat ashamed, Mr. Rivera said his delay in endorsing Mr. Ferrer until he surged in the polls did not represent a profile in courage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He found the tone of some of the mayor's remarks, especially the statement that opponents of the project "should be ashamed of themselves," to be "somewhat puzzling," Mr. Steinhardt said in an interview.

The New York Times

About 39% of U.S. consumers with credit card debt said they strongly agreed or somewhat agreed with the statement that they felt ashamed of their credit card debt, according to a recent NerdWallet study conducted by Harris Poll.

Huffington Post

Somewhat to their surprise, they have found that the funds have nothing to be ashamed of.

Forbes

An example is NEO-FFI Neuroticism item 9 ('At times I have been so ashamed I just wanted to hide') for which the two Finnish cohorts show somewhat different item parameter values compared to the other cohorts.

Behavior Genetics

It will also turn the somewhat neglected Stadtschloss into a new gateway for visitors.There is a lot in Weimar to be ashamed of as well as to be proud about.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat ashamed" to express a nuanced feeling of shame that is not overwhelming but still present. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of mild regret or embarrassment without overstating your emotional state.

Common error

While "somewhat ashamed" is acceptable, excessive use can dilute the impact of stronger emotions. In formal contexts, consider using more precise vocabulary to convey your feelings accurately and avoid sounding indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat ashamed" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject, expressing a feeling of mild shame or embarrassment. It indicates a state of being where the individual feels a degree of regret or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat ashamed" is a versatile phrase used to express a mild sense of embarrassment or guilt. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing contexts, particularly news and media. While common, it's essential to avoid overuse in formal writing and consider precise vocabulary when stronger emotions need to be conveyed. Consider alternatives like "a little ashamed" or "slightly embarrassed" to tailor your language to the specific nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little ashamed

Emphasizes a slightly lesser degree of shame compared to "somewhat ashamed".

slightly ashamed

Indicates a marginal degree of shame, very close in meaning.

mildly ashamed

Highlights the subdued nature of the shame felt.

a bit ashamed

Uses a more colloquial term "bit" to denote a small amount of shame.

rather ashamed

Expresses a notable degree of shame, more than just slightly.

somewhat embarrassed

Shifts the focus to embarrassment, which overlaps with shame but emphasizes feeling awkward.

slightly regretful

Conveys a sense of regret as opposed to shame, focusing more on wishing things were different.

a little guilty

Replaces shame with guilt, suggesting a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing.

not entirely proud

Uses a double negative to express a lack of pride, implying a feeling of shame.

a touch ashamed

Emphasizes a light feeling of shame, suggesting it's not overwhelming.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat ashamed" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat ashamed" to express a feeling of mild embarrassment or guilt about something. For example: "I felt "somewhat ashamed" for not being prepared for the presentation."

What's the difference between "somewhat ashamed" and "very ashamed"?

"Somewhat ashamed" indicates a milder feeling of shame, while "very ashamed" implies a stronger, more intense feeling. Use "somewhat" when the feeling is not overwhelming and "very" when the emotion is significant.

What can I say instead of "somewhat ashamed"?

You can use alternatives like "a little ashamed", "slightly embarrassed", or "mildly regretful" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "somewhat ashamed" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable but avoid overusing it. In very formal contexts, consider more precise language if possible. Alternatives like "slightly disappointed" or "mildly remorseful" might be more suitable depending on the specific context.