this is so embarrassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is so embarrassing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express your feeling of embarrassment or shame about something. For example: - "I can't believe I spilled coffee all over my shirt. This is so embarrassing." - "I forgot my lines in front of the entire audience. This is so embarrassing." - "I accidentally sent the email to the wrong person. This is so embarrassing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

/ I'm really sorry, this is so embarrassing.

The New Yorker

"Oh, this is so embarrassing.

Huffington Post

Hot-faced and flustered, I babbled on, "This is so embarrassing.

Huffington Post

Congratulations #DougJones!! Congratulations #Alabama!!!!.@realDonaldTrump dude, this is SO embarrassing for u https://t.co/CBYH3ZTtlL.

Huffington Post

"This is so embarrassing".

The New Yorker

"This is so embarrassing to the P.R.C".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Are you even on this team?" This was so embarrassing.

The New York Times

"Walking down the red carpet is so embarrassing.

The New York Times

A new car would be nice, too; the one we have is so embarrassing.

The New York Times

But I think the reason why the Pistorius case obsesses South Africans is because it is so embarrassing.

The Guardian

"MAYBE IT'S ME" Life is tough for 15-year-old Molly (Reagan Dale Neis), because her family is so embarrassing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is so embarrassing" to express genuine feelings of awkwardness or shame, especially in informal settings or personal anecdotes. It's effective when acknowledging a blunder or expressing sympathy for someone else's embarrassing situation.

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal writing or professional communication where a more nuanced or sophisticated expression of discomfort might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "I regret this situation" or "I apologize for the inconvenience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is so embarrassing" serves as an expressive statement indicating the speaker's feeling of awkwardness, shame, or discomfort in a particular situation. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's a common way to acknowledge a personal blunder or empathize with someone else's embarrassing moment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is so embarrassing" is a common and correct way to express feelings of awkwardness, shame, or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most appropriate in informal and neutral contexts, particularly in personal anecdotes or reactions to embarrassing situations. While widely understood, consider more formal alternatives for professional or academic settings. The phrase's prevalence in News & Media reflects its general acceptance in contemporary communication. To avoid overuse, vary your expression with synonyms like "this is incredibly awkward" or "how mortifying".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is incredibly awkward

Emphasizes the awkwardness of the situation.

How mortifying

Highlights the deeply shameful nature of the situation.

I'm so ashamed

Focuses on the speaker's feeling of shame.

I'm cringing so hard right now

Emphasizes a physical reaction to embarrassment.

This is just humiliating

Highlights the sense of being degraded or lowered in status.

I can't believe this is happening

Expresses disbelief and discomfort at the current situation.

I want to disappear

Indicates a strong desire to escape the embarrassing situation.

This is so not my finest moment

A self-deprecating acknowledgement of a blunder.

I'm dying of embarrassment

Hyperbolically expresses intense embarrassment.

I feel like crawling into a hole

Indicates a strong desire to hide due to embarrassment.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is so embarrassing"?

The phrase "this is so embarrassing" is appropriate in informal settings when you want to express feelings of awkwardness, shame, or discomfort. It's commonly used in personal anecdotes or when reacting to someone else's embarrassing situation.

What are some alternative ways to say "this is so embarrassing"?

You can use alternatives like "this is incredibly awkward", "how mortifying", or "I'm so ashamed" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it okay to use "this is so embarrassing" in professional or formal settings?

While "this is so embarrassing" is widely understood, it may be too informal for professional or formal settings. In such cases, consider using more formal phrases like "I regret this situation" or "I apologize for the inconvenience".

What's the difference between saying "this is so embarrassing" and "this is really embarrassing"?

The phrases "this is so embarrassing" and "this is really embarrassing" are very similar in meaning. The addition of "really" simply adds a slightly greater emphasis to the feeling of embarrassment but the core meaning remains the same.