Grammar fix
show off
boast or display proudly
To try to make people admire you — by talking about what you have or can do, or by proudly displaying something (show off + thing).
phrasal verbB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He always tries to show off by talking about his expensive car.
In my opinion, some people show off on social media by posting pictures of their luxury holidays.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He likes to show off himself.
Say: He likes to show off.
In the 'brag' sense it's intransitive — no object 'himself'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Show off' is the everyday word; 'ostentatiously display' is bookish.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
show off
- always
- stop showing off
- just showing off
- in front of