have been privileged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been privileged" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express appreciation for having been given the opportunity to experience or participate in something special. For example, "I have been privileged to be a part of such an amazing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have been privileged to have him among us.

Harvard University

A dream that I have been privileged to live.

The New York Times

"Quakers, like other Americans, have been privileged," she said.

The New York Times

Grew up listening to him & have been privileged to know & work with him.

Independent

Few men have been privileged to add a word to the English language.

The New Yorker

"He's one of the most gifted writers I have been privileged to edit.

Independent

We have been privileged to be Elaine's neighbors and friends for a great many years.

The New York Times

I have been privileged to serve my country and my party under your leadership.

The Guardian

In the former, I have been privileged to advise the president and his staff.

The New York Times

I have lived an ordinary and a satisfying life, and I have been privileged to be of service to people.

The New Yorker

I have been privileged to participate in some form in all 27 presidential and 8 vice presidential debates so far.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been privileged", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are grateful for or what specific opportunity you value. This adds clarity and sincerity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "have been privileged" when describing situations that are basic rights or standard expectations. Using it in such contexts can sound out of touch or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been privileged" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically serving to express appreciation or gratitude for an opportunity or experience. It showcases a past action that has led to a feeling of honor or advantage, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been privileged" is a common and grammatically sound way to express gratitude for a unique opportunity or experience. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are genuinely expressing appreciation and that the context is appropriate, avoiding its use for basic rights or expectations. Alternatives such as "have been fortunate" or "have been honored" can offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. Overall, using "have been privileged" effectively communicates a sense of gratitude and recognition of a special opportunity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have had the privilege

Rephrases the sentence structure while retaining the core meaning of having a special opportunity.

have been fortunate

Expresses luck or good fortune in experiencing something, rather than a sense of privilege.

have been so fortunate

Emphasizes the degree of luck experienced.

have been honored

Emphasizes the feeling of being respected or esteemed through the experience.

have been lucky enough

Highlights the element of chance or good luck in having the experience.

have been given the opportunity

Focuses on the act of being granted a chance, rather than the feeling of privilege.

have been granted

Focuses on the act of receiving the opportunity, rather than the experience itself.

have been blessed

Implies a divine or spiritual favor in receiving the opportunity.

have been grateful

Shifts the focus to the feeling of thankfulness for the experience.

have been in a position

Emphasizes the role or situation that allowed for the specific experience.

FAQs

How can I use "have been privileged" in a sentence?

You can use "have been privileged" to express gratitude for an opportunity or experience. For example, "I "have been privileged" to work with such talented colleagues."

What are some alternatives to "have been privileged"?

Alternatives include "have been fortunate", "have been honored", or "have had the privilege", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am privileged" instead of "I have been privileged"?

Yes, but they carry different meanings. "I am privileged" describes a current state of advantage, while "I "have been privileged"" expresses gratitude for a past opportunity or experience.

When is it inappropriate to use "have been privileged"?

It's best to avoid using ""have been privileged"" when referring to basic rights or expectations, as it can sound insincere or tone-deaf. Instead, reserve it for situations where you genuinely feel grateful for a unique opportunity.