in shame
Describing an emotional state
Use this pattern after verbs describing behaviour or appearance.
The child hid in shame after the mistake.
“In shame” vs. “of shame”
“In shame” describes a state or feeling. “Of shame” usually appears inside longer phrases such as “a feeling of shame.”
Quick answer
Which form is natural?
Use “in shame” for someone's emotional state: “He stood in shame.” Use “of shame” after another noun, such as “a sense of shame.”
She lowered her head in shame.
He felt a deep sense of shame.
He felt a deep sense of shame.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
sense of shame
Naming the feeling
Use “of shame” after nouns such as “sense,” “feeling,” or “moment.”
She experienced a sudden feeling of shame.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in shame
He looked away in shame.
state or emotion
of shame
They carried a burden of shame.
part of a noun phrase
ashamed of
She is ashamed of her behaviour.
adjective pattern
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using “of shame” alone after a verb
“Of shame” normally needs another noun before it.
✕ He stood of shame. ✓ He stood in shame.Confusing noun and adjective patterns
Use “ashamed of” with the adjective.
✕ She was shame of it. ✓ She was ashamed of it.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. He bowed his head ___ shame.
2. She felt a strong sense ___ shame.
3. They were ashamed ___ their actions.
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Frequently asked questions
Is “in shame” common?
Yes. It is a natural literary and formal expression for emotional state.
Can “of shame” stand alone?
Usually no. It normally follows another noun, such as “feeling of shame.”
What is the difference between “shame” and “ashamed”?
“Shame” is a noun, while “ashamed” is an adjective.
Related preposition guides
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