the embarrassment was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the embarrassment was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling of embarrassment that occurred in the past. Example: "The embarrassment was palpable when he realized he had forgotten his lines during the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The embarrassment was deserved.

The New York Times

The embarrassment was understandable.

The Economist

The embarrassment was over.

The Guardian

"The embarrassment was worse than the pain," she said.

The New York Times

The embarrassment was too much for many of Northampton's supporters to take.

The Guardian - Sport

The embarrassment was intolerable, but Margaret Thatcher decreed that our high-speed line must be built with private money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Actually, the embarrassment is in the fact of embarrassment.

The New York Times - Arts

For Mr. Cameron, personally, the embarrassment is acute.

The New York Times

The embarrassment is not just a problem for the Dallas Police Department.

The New York Times

But there are many times when the embarrassment is just too great.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the embarrassment is too much for him, so he quickly drops to his knees.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the embarrassment was" to clearly and directly state that a feeling of embarrassment existed in a specific situation or at a particular time. This is especially effective when setting a scene or narrating a sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "the embarrassment is" when referring to a past event. Ensure the verb tense aligns with the time frame you're describing to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the embarrassment was" primarily functions as a statement linking a specific instance or cause to a feeling of embarrassment. It commonly appears in narrative contexts to describe a past emotional state. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the embarrassment was" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a past feeling of embarrassment. Ludwig AI confirms this, and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, and it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure your verb tense is consistent and consider alternative phrases such as ""the awkwardness was"" or ""it was mortifying"" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the awkwardness was

Replaces "embarrassment" with a synonym focusing on the uncomfortable feeling.

the shame was

Substitutes "embarrassment" with "shame", emphasizing a stronger feeling of regret.

it was mortifying

Changes the structure to an adjectival phrase describing the event as extremely embarrassing.

the humiliation was

Replaces "embarrassment" with "humiliation", highlighting a sense of being demeaned.

it caused great embarrassment

Shifts the focus to the act of causing embarrassment rather than describing the state itself.

there was considerable embarrassment

Emphasizes the degree of embarrassment felt.

the discomfort was

Replaces "embarrassment" with a more general term "discomfort", indicating unease.

it was an embarrassing situation

Transforms the phrase to describe the overall situation, rather than focusing on the feeling.

the awkward moment occurred when

Focuses on describing an awkward moment instead of directly stating the feeling of embarrassment.

the cringe factor was high

Uses a more informal, contemporary expression to describe the level of awkwardness or embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "the embarrassment was" in a sentence?

You can use "the embarrassment was" to describe a past feeling or situation. For example, "The embarrassment was palpable when he tripped on stage."

What are some alternatives to "the embarrassment was"?

Alternatives include "the awkwardness was", "the shame was", or "it was mortifying", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the embarrassment is" instead of "the embarrassment was"?

While "the embarrassment is" is grammatically correct, it refers to a current feeling or situation. "The embarrassment was" refers to a past feeling or situation. Choose the form that matches the time frame you're describing.

What's the difference between "the embarrassment was" and "it was embarrassing"?

"The embarrassment was" emphasizes the feeling or state of being embarrassed, while "it was embarrassing" describes the situation or event as causing embarrassment. The former focuses on the subjective experience, and the latter on the objective quality of the event.