had no ego

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had no ego" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is humble or lacks a sense of self-importance. Example: "Despite his numerous achievements, he had no ego, always crediting his team for their hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He had no ego".

The New Yorker

He had no ego to speak of.

The Guardian - Music

"I had no ego about it.

The New York Times - Sports

"His intelligence certainly surfaced, and he had no ego.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was very reliable, personable, and he had no ego whatsoever," Annacone said.

The New York Times - Sports

"George had no ego," said Thomas Lawley, dean of the Emory University School of Medicine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

While, to some, this may sound like a dog with entitlement issues, I would have to disagree because dogs have no ego.

Huffington Post

She also commented about co-directing with Woodruff, saying that "he had no no ego whatsoever, and the whole process was just so much fun".

Wikipedia

I have no ego.

The New York Times - Sports

He has no ego.

The New York Times - Sports

"They have no ego.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had no ego" to positively describe someone who is collaborative and focuses on team success rather than personal recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "had no ego" sarcastically. The phrase generally carries a positive connotation, so using it ironically could confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had no ego" functions as a descriptive statement. It typically modifies a noun (person or entity) to indicate a lack of arrogance or self-importance. Ludwig indicates it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had no ego" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe someone as humble, modest, and selfless. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, used to positively portray individuals who prioritize collaboration and team success. When using the phrase, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with its generally positive connotation, avoiding any unintended sarcasm. Alternatives such as "was humble" or "didn't let it go to their head" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was humble

Directly states the quality of being humble.

was modest

Highlights the quality of being unassuming about one's abilities.

wasn't conceited

Highlights the lack of vanity.

was without arrogance

Focuses on the absence of arrogance.

displayed humility

Highlights the act of showing a modest or low view of one's own importance.

was unpretentious

Emphasizes the lack of artificiality or showiness.

didn't think too highly of themselves

Indicates a balanced self-perception.

didn't let it go to their head

Idiomatic expression meaning they remained grounded.

kept their feet on the ground

Idiomatic expression highlighting a sense of realism and humility.

possessed no hubris

More formal term for excessive pride or self-confidence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "had no ego"?

Alternatives include "was humble", "was modest", or "didn't let it go to their head", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone "has no ego"?

Yes, "has no ego" and "had no ego" are both grammatically sound. The choice depends on the tense required by your sentence.

What does it mean when someone says a person "has no ego"?

It typically implies that the person is humble, not arrogant, and doesn't seek personal recognition or praise. They are focused on the task or the team rather than themselves.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "had no ego"?

It's appropriate when describing someone's behavior or attitude in situations where they could have been self-centered or boastful but instead chose to be humble and collaborative.