to brag about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to brag about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone boasting or speaking with pride about their achievements or possessions. Example: "He tends to brag about his accomplishments at every opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something to brag about".

The New Yorker

Second-dumbest, something to brag about".

The New Yorker

What does continental Europe have to brag about?

The Economist

"I'm not sure this is a love to brag about".

The New York Times - Science

Walmart's employee discount is nothing to brag about, however.

The Guardian - Money

I don't think the NCVO has anything to brag about".

The Guardian

But that isn't much of work to brag about".

The Guardian

So what's to brag about?

Forbes

That's something people might like to brag about, Ebrahimi thinks.

TechCrunch

But that's not all they have to brag about!

Huffington Post

But it is nothing to brag about.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to brag about" when you want to convey someone is speaking with excessive pride about something they have, can do, or have done. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes have a negative connotation.

Common error

While "to brag about" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "to boast of" or "to show off" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to brag about" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that complements a verb, indicating the subject or topic of the boasting. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to brag about" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe the act of boasting or showing off. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, being mindful of overuse and opting for synonyms like "to boast of" can enhance writing quality. This phrase is more frequently found in News & Media. When considering its use, remember the context and potential negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to boast of

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "boast", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different connotation.

to show off

This phrase is more informal and implies a deliberate attempt to impress others with one's achievements or possessions.

to gloat over

This suggests taking excessive pleasure in one's own success or another's misfortune, adding a negative connotation.

to vaunt

This is a more formal and less common synonym for boasting, implying excessive pride.

to crow about

This idiom suggests boastful and triumphant talk, often in a somewhat irritating way.

to take pride in

This expresses a positive feeling of satisfaction in one's accomplishments, without necessarily implying boastfulness.

to sing the praises of

This implies extolling the virtues or merits of something or someone, often enthusiastically.

to make much of

This suggests exaggerating the importance or significance of something, often to impress others.

to pat oneself on the back

This idiom refers to expressing self-satisfaction or congratulating oneself, often in a visible manner.

to flaunt

This implies displaying something ostentatiously to provoke envy or admiration.

FAQs

What does "to brag about" mean?

The phrase "to brag about" means to boast or speak with excessive pride about something. It often implies that someone is exaggerating their achievements or possessions.

How can I use "to brag about" in a sentence?

You can use "to brag about" in a sentence like this: "He loves "to brag about" his new car", or "She has nothing "to brag about" since she failed the test".

What are some alternatives to "to brag about"?

Some alternatives to "to brag about" include "to boast of", "to show off", or "to gloat over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to brag about"?

It's appropriate to use "to brag about" when you want to describe someone who is speaking proudly and perhaps excessively about their accomplishments. However, be mindful that it can sometimes imply a negative judgment about their behavior.