I am so ashamed

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   a way to say you feel strong embarrassment or guilt about something you did or about a situation.

   Grammar: Used as a full sentence. 'So' makes the adjective stronger; you can also say 'I am very ashamed' or 'I feel ashamed'.

   Patterns

   • ashamed of someone or something
   • ashamed to do something
   • ashamed that ...

   I am so ashamed of what I said to her.

   He was so ashamed that he couldn't look at his parents.

   I am so ashamed to admit I forgot your birthday.

Common combinations

ashamed of

She felt ashamed of her behavior.

ashamed to admit

I am ashamed to admit I lied.

deeply ashamed

He was deeply ashamed of his mistake.

feel ashamed

You don't need to feel ashamed about asking for help.

Synonyms and how they differ

embarrassed

About feeling shy or uncomfortable in front of others; it is often less serious than 'ashamed'.

guilty

Focuses on knowing you did something wrong; you can feel guilty without feeling ashamed in public.

mortified

Much stronger and often humorous; means extremely embarrassed.

Opposites

Word family

ashamed adjective

Feeling shame; the base adjective in this phrase.

shame noun

The feeling of being ashamed, or something that causes it.

shameful adjective

Deserving shame; used about actions, not feelings.

shameless adjective

Not feeling ashamed when you should.

Commonly confused: I am so ashamed or shy?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “I am so ashamed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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