too much pride

USAGE SUMMARY

"too much pride" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who takes too much pride in his or her own accomplishments, actions, or beliefs. For example, "She has too much pride to ever admit she was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Too much pride.

The New York Times

I had too much pride".

The New York Times

Too much pride, I suppose.

Independent

He's got way too much pride.

The New York Times - Sports

Had too much pride for that".

The New York Times - Sports

Too much pride, too much to prove.

The New York Times - Sports

There is too much pride and politics in the way.

The New York Times

William can't do that because he has too much pride.

The New York Times

Hitchens has too much pride to play this game.

The Guardian - Books

Too much pride is at stake to hope 2013 will see a rethink.

The Economist

And Jeter, we know, has way too much pride to embarrass himself on the field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "too much pride", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Overemphasizing someone's pride can sometimes come across as judgmental or insensitive; balance is key.

Common error

Avoid using "too much pride" when describing someone who simply has a healthy sense of self-worth. "Pride" in excess can be detrimental, but appropriate self-esteem is essential for personal well-being. Make sure that you are not discouraging self-confidence, but preventing arrogance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too much pride" functions as a noun phrase, where "pride" is the head noun and "too much" acts as a quantifier modifying it. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical function with many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too much pride" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes an excessive or detrimental level of self-regard. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, sports, and general discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from healthy self-esteem and ensure the context accurately reflects the negative implications of excessive pride, such as arrogance or an inability to accept help. Alternatives include phrases such as ""inflated ego"" or ""unjustified arrogance"", each with its own nuance. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unjustified arrogance

Underscores the lack of merit for the pride being displayed.

Undue self-importance

Focuses on the inappropriate level of significance attributed to oneself.

Exaggerated hubris

Implies a dangerous level of pride leading to downfall.

Inflated ego

Refers to an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Overbearing self-assurance

Emphasizes the forceful and potentially irritating nature of the pride.

Excessive self-esteem

Highlights the exaggerated sense of self-worth.

Lofty self-image

Suggests an unrealistically high perception of oneself.

Overweening conceit

Emphasizes the arrogance and inflated ego.

Superior attitude

Highlights the demeanor of feeling better than others.

Inordinate vanity

Focuses on excessive admiration of one's own appearance or achievements.

FAQs

How can I use "too much pride" in a sentence?

You can use "too much pride" to describe someone who is excessively proud, hindering their ability to accept help or admit mistakes. For instance, "He has "too much pride" to ask for assistance, even when he's struggling".

What are some alternatives to saying someone has "too much pride"?

Alternatives include saying they are excessively arrogant, have an "inflated ego", or possess "unjustified arrogance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have "too much pride"?

Generally, yes. While pride in accomplishments can be positive, "too much pride" often leads to negative consequences such as an inability to learn from mistakes or collaborate effectively. Excessive pride can result in "exaggerated hubris", which causes errors in judgment.

What's the difference between "too much pride" and healthy self-confidence?

"Too much pride" involves an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority, often leading to arrogance. Healthy self-confidence, on the other hand, is a realistic assessment of one's abilities and a positive belief in oneself without denigrating others. Those with healthy self-confidence don't have "unjustified arrogance".