Have you ever been unsure if you should use “embarrass” or “embarass” in your writing? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with these two similar words. But fear not, we’re here to clear up any confusion.
The proper spelling is “embarrass” with two “r’s”. “Embarass” with one “r” is not a correct spelling.
So what does “embarrass” mean? It is a verb that means to cause someone to feel self-conscious or ashamed. For example, “I was embarrassed when I tripped in front of everyone.”
On the other hand, “embarass” is not a word in the English language and has no meaning.
In this article, we will explore common mistakes people make when using “embarrass”, provide tips on how to use it correctly, and give examples of its usage in everyday language.
Define Embarrass
Embarrass is a verb that means to cause someone to feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, or ashamed. It is often used to describe situations where someone is caught in an awkward or humiliating position, such as when they make a mistake in public or are caught doing something they shouldn’t be.
For example, if someone accidentally spills coffee on their shirt during a meeting, they might feel embarrassed. Similarly, if someone forgets someone’s name during a conversation, they might feel embarrassed.
Embarrass can also be used to describe the feeling of being self-conscious or ashamed. For example, someone might say “I feel so embarrassed” after making a mistake or being caught in an awkward situation.
Define Embarass
Embarass is not a word in the English language. The correct spelling is embarrass.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct spelling and grammar in your writing is crucial in conveying your message effectively. One common mistake people make is confusing the spellings of “embarrass” and “embarass.” In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of these two words in a sentence.
How To Use “Embarrass” In A Sentence
The word “embarrass” is a verb that means to cause someone to feel self-conscious or ashamed. It can also mean to hinder or impede. Here are some examples of how to use “embarrass” in a sentence:
- She was embarrassed when she realized she had spinach in her teeth.
- He tried to embarrass his opponent by bringing up his past mistakes.
- The rain embarrassed our plans for a picnic in the park.
As you can see, “embarrass” is used to describe a feeling or an action that causes someone to feel uncomfortable or ashamed.
How To Use “Embarass” In A Sentence
The word “embarass” is not a correct spelling of any word in the English language. If you meant to use “embarrass,” make sure to double-check your spelling to avoid any confusion or errors in your writing.
Using the correct spelling of words in your writing is important for clarity and credibility. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using “embarrass” correctly in your sentences.
More Examples Of Embarrass & Embarass Used In Sentences
When it comes to using “embarrass” and “embarass” in sentences, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between the two words. Here are some examples of how they can be used in context:
Examples Of Using “Embarrass” In A Sentence
- She was embarrassed when she realized she had spinach in her teeth during the entire meeting.
- He tried to embarrass his opponent by bringing up their past mistakes.
- The teacher embarrassed the student by calling them out in front of the class.
- She felt embarrassed when she tripped and fell in front of everyone.
- He was embarrassed by his poor performance on the test.
- The company was embarrassed by the negative reviews of their product.
- She was embarrassed to admit that she had never heard of the famous author.
- He was embarrassed to ask for help with his homework.
- The politician was embarrassed by the leaked scandal.
- She was embarrassed by her lack of knowledge about the topic.
Examples Of Using “Embarass” In A Sentence
- He misspelled the word and it ended up embarassing him in front of the entire class.
- The typo in the email embarassed her in front of her boss.
- The malfunctioning microphone embarassed the speaker during their presentation.
- The wardrobe malfunction embarassed the performer on stage.
- His lack of preparation for the interview embarassed him in front of the hiring manager.
- The incorrect pronunciation of the word embarassed the non-native speaker.
- The software glitch embarassed the tech company during their product launch.
- The incorrect use of the word embarassed the writer in their article.
- The incorrect translation of the phrase embarassed the tourist in the foreign country.
- The outdated fashion choice embarassed the individual at the party.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It’s easy to confuse words that sound alike or have similar spellings, such as “embarrass” and “embarass.” However, using these words interchangeably can lead to embarrassing mistakes in your writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Embarass” Instead Of “Embarrass”
The word “embarass” is not a correct spelling of the word “embarrass.” This is a common mistake that people make when they are not sure how to spell the word correctly. It’s important to remember that “embarrass” has two r’s and two s’s.
Using “Embarrassed” Instead Of “Embarrassing”
Another common mistake is using the word “embarrassed” when you really mean “embarrassing.” “Embarrassed” is a past tense verb that describes how someone felt in the past, while “embarrassing” is a present participle that describes something that is happening now. For example, “I was embarrassed by my mistake” is correct, but “I am embarrassed by my mistake” is incorrect.
Using “Embarassed” Instead Of “Embarrassed”
Similar to the first mistake, “embarassed” is not a correct spelling of “embarrassed.” It’s important to remember to use two r’s and two s’s in the correct spelling of the word.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Use spell check and grammar check tools to catch any misspellings or incorrect word usage.
- Double-check the spelling of words that you are unsure of in a dictionary or online resource.
- Read your writing out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or incorrect word usage.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “embarrass” and “embarass,” context is key. While both words are often used interchangeably, their meanings can differ depending on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “embarrass” and “embarass” might change:
| Context | Word Choice | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | Embarrass | When referring to the correct spelling of the word, “embarrass” is the correct choice. |
| Personal Feelings | Embarrass | When discussing personal feelings of shame or discomfort, “embarrass” is the appropriate choice. For example, “I was embarrassed when I tripped in front of everyone.” |
| Physical Action | Embarass | When referring to physically hindering or obstructing someone or something, “embarass” is the correct choice. For example, “The fallen tree limb embarassed the path.” |
| Legal Terminology | Embarrass | When discussing legal terminology, “embarrass” is the appropriate choice. For example, “The plaintiff’s attorney attempted to embarrass the defendant with a line of questioning.” |
As you can see, the choice between “embarrass” and “embarass” can depend on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can ensure that you are using the appropriate word for the situation at hand.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “embarrass” and “embarass” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some cases where the rules may not hold:
1. Regional Differences
One exception to the rules for using these two words is regional differences in spelling and pronunciation. For instance, in British English, “embarass” is the preferred spelling, while in American English, “embarrass” is the standard spelling. Similarly, some regions may pronounce the words differently, with variations in stress or vowel sounds.
2. Colloquial Usage
Another exception to the rules for using “embarrass” and “embarass” is colloquial usage. In informal settings or casual conversations, people may use these two words interchangeably, without much regard for the correct spelling or usage. This is especially true in spoken language, where pronunciation and intonation can convey meaning more than spelling.
3. Creative Writing
Finally, an exception to the rules for using “embarrass” and “embarass” can be found in creative writing, such as poetry or fiction. Writers may intentionally use unconventional spellings or word choices to create a certain effect or mood. For instance, a writer might use “embarass” to convey a sense of confusion or disorientation, or to create a unique voice for a character.
Overall, while the rules for using “embarrass” and “embarass” are generally reliable, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Whether due to regional differences, colloquial usage, or creative writing, these exceptions show that language is a dynamic and ever-changing system.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of the words “embarrass” and “embarass” is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help you:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Spelling
Choose the correct spelling for each sentence:
| Sentence | Correct Spelling |
|---|---|
| She was so __________ by her mistake that she couldn’t speak. | embarrassed |
| He didn’t want to __________ his friends by showing up late. | embarrass |
| The teacher tried not to __________ her students by giving them too much homework. | embarrass |
| She was afraid that her outfit would __________ her in front of her colleagues. | embarrass |
| He felt __________ when he realized he had forgotten his lines. | embarrassed |
Answer Key:
- She was so embarrassed by her mistake that she couldn’t speak.
- He didn’t want to embarrass his friends by showing up late.
- The teacher tried not to embarrass her students by giving them too much homework.
- She was afraid that her outfit would embarrass her in front of her colleagues.
- He felt embarrassed when he realized he had forgotten his lines.
Exercise 2: Complete The Sentences
Complete each sentence with the correct form of “embarrass” or “embarass”:
- I don’t want to __________ myself in front of my boss.
- She was so __________ by the attention that she received.
- He tried to __________ his mistake by making a joke.
- The comedian’s jokes were meant to __________ his audience.
- She felt __________ when she realized that she had been talking to the wrong person.
Answer Key:
- I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of my boss.
- She was so embarrassed by the attention that she received.
- He tried to embarass his mistake by making a joke. (Note: This is incorrect. The correct spelling is “embarrass.”)
- The comedian’s jokes were meant to embarrass his audience.
- She felt embarrassed when she realized that she had been talking to the wrong person.
Conclusion
After reviewing the differences between “embarrass” and “embarass,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and spellings. While “embarrass” is the correct spelling, it is easy to see why some people may confuse the two due to the similarities in pronunciation.
One key takeaway from this article is the importance of paying attention to spelling and grammar in written communication. Using the wrong word or misspelling a word can lead to confusion and a lack of credibility.
Another takeaway is the value of continuing to learn about language use and grammar. English is a complex language with many rules and exceptions, and there is always more to learn.
By taking the time to improve our language skills, we can communicate more effectively and avoid common mistakes like confusing “embarrass” and “embarass.”
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.