feel humbled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel humbled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of modesty or gratitude in response to a situation or compliment. Example: "After receiving the award, I truly feel humbled by the recognition from my peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do you feel humbled?

The New Yorker

You feel humbled, and you feel elevated.

The New Yorker

"I feel humbled and very excited.

The New York Times

Just when you feel humbled by Alaska's wilderness, nature makes it even clearer.

The New York Times - Travel

That raises the question of how much cause he had to feel humbled.

The Economist

"I feel humbled and honored," the woman who had rung the bell said.

The New Yorker

I feel humbled I'm supported by both sides of the community.

The Guardian - Sport

You could not help but feel humbled by what you saw.

The New York Times - Travel

I feel humbled to have even been in the same ride as him.

The Guardian

I feel humbled to see white people catwalking my African print and designs.

The Guardian

We feel humbled and exhausted and a long way from civilisation.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "feel humbled" with specific details to enhance the sincerity of your statement. For instance, instead of saying "I feel humbled," specify "I feel humbled by the support of the community."

Common error

Avoid using "feel humbled" in situations where it might seem disingenuous or performative. Authenticity is key; if the sentiment doesn't align with the context, choose a more suitable expression like "feel grateful" or "feel honored".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "feel humbled" is as a verb phrase, where 'feel' acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective 'humbled'. This construction expresses a state of being or a feeling experienced by the subject, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel humbled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a sense of modesty or gratitude. Ludwig AI highlights its use across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia, with a neutral to formal register. To ensure sincerity, avoid overuse and choose more appropriate alternatives when the sentiment doesn't align with the context. Understanding its purpose and grammatical function allows for effective communication in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel a sense of humility

Highlights the emotion of humility rather than the action of feeling humbled, offering a more internal perspective.

feel honored

Expresses gratitude and recognition of distinction, shifting the focus slightly from personal insignificance to external validation.

be awed by

Conveys a feeling of reverence and respect, triggered by something impressive or majestic, shifting focus from self to external stimuli.

feel small

Emphasizes a sense of insignificance, often in the face of something vast or impressive, differing in its directness.

feel insignificant

Stresses the lack of importance or consequence, conveying a stronger sense of modesty compared to "feel humbled".

be filled with gratitude

Focuses on thankfulness, highlighting the positive emotion associated with the experience rather than the humbling aspect.

recognize one's limitations

Emphasizes acknowledging personal boundaries and imperfections, offering a more reflective perspective.

be brought down a peg

Indicates a reduction in arrogance or self-importance, carrying a slightly more negative connotation than "feel humbled".

be mindful of one's place

Suggests an awareness of one's position within a larger context, carrying a tone of respect and consideration.

feel unworthy

Implies a sense of not deserving something positive, focusing more on inadequacy than simple humility.

FAQs

How can I use "feel humbled" in a sentence?

You can use "feel humbled" to express a sense of modesty or gratitude in response to a situation or compliment. For example: "I "feel humbled" by the outpouring of support from friends and family."

What can I say instead of "feel humbled"?

You can use alternatives like "feel honored", "feel grateful", or "feel a sense of humility depending on the context".

Which is correct, "feel humbled" or "felt humbled"?

"Feel humbled" is used in the present tense to express the current feeling, while "felt humbled" is used in the past tense to describe a feeling experienced previously. The choice depends on the timing of the sentiment you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "feel humbled" and "feel insignificant"?

"Feel humbled" implies a sense of modesty or gratitude, often in response to an honor or achievement. "Feel insignificant", on the other hand, suggests a sense of being unimportant or small, often in the face of something vast or overwhelming.