I humbly submit

USAGE SUMMARY

"I humbly submit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a sincere request or the acknowledgement of an inferior position to another person. For example, "I humbly submit that I need your help to complete this task".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Most of the others, I humbly submit, have already discredited themselves or are on their way into the dustbin of history.

The Economist

I humbly submit that what is required in the face of our current predicament, is enlightened energy production.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A serviceable, modest, but not too moderately priced three-bedroom house with a family room and a Dix Hills address - although, I humbly submit, it was the fringe of Dix Hills.

The New York Times

So, may I humbly submit a suggestion: Yes, we should absolutely take startups like Path to task for their lapses.

TechCrunch

I humbly submit that you should take a stand for what your company represents and how it represents itself.

TechCrunch

We're focused on the biggest problems we face as a nation – I humbly submit to you, the biggest problems we face as a planet," Poneman told the Sanford audience.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Hence, instead, I'll humbly submit for your perusal a quick and dirty list of ten things you're probably not allowed to say at Davos — but that if rebooting prosperity is what really care about, you should be.

Harvard Business Review

I've decided to humbly submit my advice on how to approach us in requesting a profile – I think this advice will work well with other bloggers as well.

TechCrunch

But I would like to humbly submit that early reports of its influence on Mr. Trump's re-election strength — or weakness — have been vastly overstated.

The New York Times

I hereby not so humbly submit to you proposals for some more feisty combos.

Huffington Post

Let me humbly submit that, even if we accept CAG's contention that benefits accrued to private companies, their computations can be questioned on a number of technical points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I humbly submit" when you want to express a suggestion or opinion with deference, especially to someone in a higher position or with more expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "I humbly submit" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even sarcastic in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I humbly submit" primarily functions as a polite and deferential way to introduce a suggestion, opinion, or request. It indicates respect for the recipient and acknowledges the possibility that the speaker's view may not be the definitive one. Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples illustrate its use in various contexts to soften assertions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"I humbly submit" is a phrase used to introduce a suggestion or opinion with deference and respect. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase adds a layer of politeness, it is important to reserve it for formal settings to avoid sounding sarcastic in informal conversations. Alternatives like "I suggest" or "In my opinion" might be more appropriate in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I respectfully suggest

Emphasizes respect and politeness, similar to the original, but slightly more formal.

If I may suggest

Asks for permission before offering a suggestion, adding an extra layer of politeness.

I would like to suggest

Politely introduces a suggestion, less assertive than a direct proposal.

I submit for your consideration

Formally presents something for evaluation and judgment.

I propose

A more direct way to offer a suggestion, suitable for formal settings.

I put forward

Presents an idea for consideration, often used in formal debates or discussions.

I offer

A straightforward way to present a suggestion or idea.

It is my humble opinion

Highlights the subjective and potentially fallible nature of the opinion.

In my humble estimation

Highlights the speaker's viewpoint with an emphasis on their limited perspective.

I'd venture to say

Introduces a statement that may be open to debate or challenge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I humbly submit" to sound less formal?

Consider alternatives like "I suggest", "I think", or "In my opinion" for less formal situations.

When is it appropriate to use "I humbly submit"?

Use "I humbly submit" when addressing someone of higher authority, offering a suggestion in a formal setting, or expressing an opinion with deference.

What's the difference between "I humbly submit" and "I respectfully submit"?

Both phrases convey respect, but "I humbly submit" emphasizes the speaker's lower status or lack of expertise more strongly than "I respectfully submit".

Can "I humbly submit" be used sarcastically?

Yes, although not its primary intention, "I humbly submit" can be used sarcastically to imply the opposite of what is being said, depending on tone and context.