am not arrogant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am not arrogant" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks a subject.
You can use it in informal contexts, but it should be preceded by a subject like "I" to be grammatically correct. Example: "I am not arrogant; I simply have confidence in my abilities."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I am not arrogant.

Independent

I am not arrogant or stupid enough to think I am invincibly right.

The Guardian

"I am not arrogant enough to believe that after one year as governor of New Jersey and seven years as the United States attorney that I'm ready to be president of the United States," Mr. Christie said.

The New York Times

One said, "I am not arrogant.

Huffington Post

I am not arrogant enough to say I know what I'm doing.

Vice

I am not arrogant enough to presume that the entertainment industry owes the world anything more than what we demand.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But he's not arrogant.

The New York Times - Food

"I'm not arrogant.

The Guardian - Music

We're not arrogant.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not arrogant about it.

The Guardian - Sport

THE Yankees are not arrogant.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a lack of arrogance, ensure you include a subject (e.g., "I", "he", "they") to create a grammatically correct sentence. For example, say "I am not arrogant" instead of just "am not arrogant".

Common error

A common mistake is to use the phrase without a subject. Always include a subject like "I", "he", or "she" to form a complete and grammatically sound sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a predicate adjective describing a quality that someone does not possess. While technically incorrect on its own due to the missing subject, in context it implies a self-assessment or a statement about someone's character. Ludwig indicates that a subject should precede it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "am not arrogant" is grammatically incomplete as it lacks a subject, but is often used informally to deny arrogance or express humility. Ludwig reports that including a subject is best practice. While the phrase appears in various sources, predominantly in News & Media, it's advisable to use a grammatically correct alternative like "I am not arrogant" or "I don't consider myself arrogant" for formal contexts. By ensuring correct grammar and choosing appropriate synonyms, you can effectively convey your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I do not consider myself arrogant

Adds a subject and verb, making it a complete sentence with a focus on self-perception.

I don't believe I'm arrogant

Similar to the original, but uses "believe" to soften the statement about arrogance.

I am not conceited

Replaces "arrogant" with a synonym that carries a similar negative connotation.

I am quite humble

Uses the adjective "humble" which is the opposite of "arrogant", emphasizing modesty.

I am down to earth

Expresses a lack of pretension and a realistic view of oneself and the world.

I'm not full of myself

An informal way of saying one does not have an inflated ego or sense of self-importance.

I try to be modest

Indicates an effort to avoid arrogance and present oneself modestly.

I strive for humility

Emphasizes the active pursuit of humbleness as a virtue.

I am self-aware

Highlights an understanding of one's own strengths and weaknesses, reducing the likelihood of arrogance.

I have a realistic view of my abilities

Focuses on having an objective assessment of one's skills and limitations, avoiding inflated self-importance.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "am not arrogant" in a sentence?

To use it correctly, add a subject pronoun before the phrase, such as "I", "he", or "she". For example, "I am not arrogant; I simply have confidence in my abilities."

What's a more formal way to say "am not arrogant"?

A more formal alternative would be "I do not consider myself arrogant" or "I do not believe I am arrogant". These phrases are grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts.

What can I say instead of "am not arrogant" to sound more humble?

You can use alternatives like "I am quite humble", "I try to be modest", or "I am down to earth".

Is "am not arrogant" grammatically correct?

The phrase "am not arrogant" is grammatically incorrect as it lacks a subject. It's a fragment rather than a complete sentence. Always include a subject like "I" to make it grammatically sound.