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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I'm humbled
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
57 human-written examples
I'm humbled by it".
News & Media
"I'm humbled when I meet him".
News & Media
If they do like my style, I'm humbled by it.
News & Media
Mr. President-elect, I'm both honored and I'm humbled.
News & Media
And I'm humbled by it, and very grateful for it".
News & Media
"I'm humbled by the fact that she never mentioned" what she had done, he said.
News & Media
I'm humbled at the opportunity to serve you... for the next four years".
News & Media
And I'm humbled that they've selected me to receive their Illuminating Injustice Award.
News & Media
I'm humbled by the sense that I'm the quarterback of the New York Giants".
News & Media
America has spoken, and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens.
News & Media
"I'm humbled by this endorsement from true freedom fighters," he said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Pair the phrase with a specific mention of who or what caused the feeling to make the statement feel more sincere and less like a cliché.
Common error
Do not use "I'm humbled" when you mean that you have been embarrassed or shamed. While both words share a root, being "humbled" in a modern positive context means feeling modest due to honor, whereas being "humiliated" means feeling painful loss of pride.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I'm humbled" acts as a subject-complement structure. The pronoun "I" is linked by the contracted verb "am" to the past participle "humbled", which functions as an adjective. According to Ludwig, this structure is used to describe the speaker's emotional response to external stimuli.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Formal & Business
10%
Sports & Entertainment
5%
Less common in
Science
2%
Academic Writing
1%
Legal Documents
0.5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In conclusion, "I'm humbled" is an essential phrase for expressing modesty and gratitude in English. Ludwig's database shows it is widely used by public figures, journalists, and professionals to acknowledge honors and achievements. While it is grammatically simple, its social weight is significant, as it effectively balances self-assertion with humility. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with being humiliated, as the modern usage of "I'm humbled" is almost exclusively positive and tied to receiving trust or recognition.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I am honored
Focuses more on the prestige of the recognition rather than personal humility
I feel privileged
Emphasizes the exclusive or special nature of the opportunity given
I am deeply moved
Highlights a stronger emotional or sentimental reaction to the situation
I am grateful
A more direct and simple expression of thanks without the specific nuance of modesty
I am overwhelmed
Suggests that the scale of the honor or support is almost too much to process
I feel unworthy
A much stronger expression of modesty, sometimes used to deflect heavy praise
I am appreciative
Slightly more formal and less emotional than the original phrase
It is an honor
Shifts the focus away from the speaker and onto the event or title itself
I am floored
An informal way to express total surprise and shock at a positive development
I am touched
Implies a personal and heartfelt emotional connection to the recognition
FAQs
How do I use "I'm humbled" in a sentence?
You can use it to express gratitude, such as: "I'm humbled by the support of my community". It often appears when someone receives an award or a new responsibility.
What is the difference between "I'm humbled" and "I'm honored"?
While both are positive, "I am honored" focuses on the prestige of the situation, whereas "I'm humbled" focuses on the speaker's feelings of modesty and unworthiness in the face of that honor.
Is "I'm humbled" formal enough for a speech?
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for formal speeches. For the highest level of formality, you might use "I am humbled" without the contraction.
Can I say "I feel humbled" instead?
Yes, "I feel humbled" is a very common and synonymous variation that emphasizes the internal emotional state of the speaker.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested