that he shrugged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that he shrugged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's physical reaction, often indicating indifference or lack of concern in response to a situation. Example: "When asked about his plans for the weekend, he simply replied with a smile, that he shrugged, and said he hadn't decided yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"And after that?" He shrugged.

The New Yorker

Can't you see that?" He shrugged.

The New Yorker

"Did he say I was making a living doing that?" He shrugged.

The New Yorker

"If some kid is going to take 10 minutes out of his day to figure out what he wants to say in an e-mail, and then write it and send it, for me to not take the 5 minutes to say, dude, thanks so much — for me to ignore that?" He shrugged.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I asked Fred where the funds had come from, and he responded, 'The meeting with the General Dynamics board was a bust and I knew we needed money for Monday, so I took a plane to Las Vegas and won $27,000.' I said, 'You mean you took our last $5,000 how could you do that?' He shrugged his shoulders and said, 'What difference does it make?

Huffington Post

Mr. Guerra and I were talking on the phone, but it did not seem impossible that he shrugged his shoulders in agreement.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

When he is responsible for something wretched like that, he shrugs and simply tosses it away.

The New York Times - Magazine

So dentists are already doing this? "Either that," he shrugs, "or they're doing the wrist test".

The Guardian

"I can't compete with that," he shrugs, placing his beer back on the table and holding up both hands with fingers bent to form crooked claws: "T-rex typist".

The Guardian - Books

"You're my friend, so what's the risk of a life to that?", he shrugs his shoulders, winces with pain and grins.

Huffington Post

"Sometimes I feel like that," he shrugs.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that he shrugged" to subtly convey a character's indifference, dismissal, or lack of understanding in a narrative, adding depth to their personality and reactions.

Common error

Avoid using "that he shrugged" when you intend to convey active agreement or understanding. The phrase typically implies a lack of concern or a passive response, not enthusiastic endorsement.

Linguistic Context

That he shrugged functions as a clause, typically part of a larger sentence. It describes a nonverbal action and often adds information about the subject's attitude or reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that he shrugged" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to depict a character's indifferent or dismissive reaction. As supported by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for both formal and informal writing, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the subtle nuances it conveys, as it often implies a lack of concern or understanding rather than agreement. Consider alternatives like "he dismissed it with a shrug" or "he brushed it off" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he shrugged it off

Focuses on the action of dismissing something, rather than describing the physical shrug itself.

he dismissed it with a shrug

Emphasizes the act of dismissal alongside the shrug, highlighting the attitude.

he responded with a shrug

Highlights the shrug as a form of response, emphasizing the lack of a verbal reply.

he brushed it off

Implies a quick and dismissive action, similar to ignoring or downplaying something.

he downplayed the importance

Focuses on minimizing the significance of something, suggesting a lack of concern.

he showed indifference

Highlights the lack of interest or concern, demonstrating a similar emotional response.

he made light of it

Indicates an attempt to make something seem less serious or important.

he didn't seem concerned

Focuses on the lack of worry or anxiety, showing a detached attitude.

he remained unfazed

Emphasizes the lack of surprise or disturbance, suggesting a calm reaction.

he was nonchalant

Highlights a casual and relaxed manner, indicating a lack of seriousness.

FAQs

How can I use "that he shrugged" in a sentence?

You can use "that he shrugged" to describe a character's reaction, often implying indifference or a lack of concern. For example: "When asked about the missing documents, he simply stated "that he shrugged" and knew nothing about them."

What does "that he shrugged" imply about a person's attitude?

Using the phrase "that he shrugged" usually suggests the person is indifferent, dismissive, or doesn't care about the topic being discussed. It can also indicate a lack of understanding or helplessness in a situation.

Are there situations where "that he shrugged" might not be appropriate?

Yes, it's not appropriate when you want to convey agreement, enthusiasm, or a strong positive reaction. It's best suited for scenarios involving apathy, uncertainty, or casual dismissal.

What are some alternatives to "that he shrugged" if I want to convey a similar meaning but with a different nuance?

Alternatives include "he dismissed it with a shrug", "he brushed it off", or "he showed indifference". Each of these carries a slightly different connotation, so choose the one that best fits the specific context.