humble suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

"humble suggestion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a suggestion that is offered without arrogance or hubris and that takes into account the feelings and thoughts of others. For example, "As a humble suggestion, perhaps we could try discussing the issue more thoroughly before we act."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

If that is indeed what they believe, then my humble suggestion is that they think again.

The Guardian - Tech

My humble suggestion applies specifically to those women tasting more pain than joy in the drugs they're consuming.

The Guardian - Opinion

My *only* complaint – and perhaps it is merely a humble suggestion – is that the little windmill blades in the Jack and the Beanstalk tiny town should have been a different color.

Princeton University

Ron Mael: Sparks Once upon a time, I would participate in these year-end musical suggestion charades in the hope that an under-appreciated artist might have a small uptick in sales from my humble suggestion.

Independent

(One humble suggestion: a $2 reward per tire). You also see burned piles of household garbage, cotton-candy-pink tufts of insulation foam, turquoise PVC pipes, sodden couches tumescing like sea sponges and abandoned cars.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My humble suggestion is that he reflects [on the US role in South Africa and Cuba's in Angola] and not now try to elaborate theories about Cuban politics," Castro says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Recently, some of the most humble suggestions have come from the technology stalwarts.

The New York Times

Over 60 years later this series of almost painfully humble suggestions is exactly what most imagine when they think of twinning.

The Guardian

With that in mind, here're a few humble suggestions for him to keep in mind as he approaches the touchpad, keyboard or any other tweet-enabling appliance as he looks to foray further into the wild feathered world of the Twitter-birds.

TechCrunch

To rectify that problem, HuffPost Entertainment is here with some humble suggestions.

Huffington Post

HuffPost Entertainment has some humble suggestions, most of which are just short of completely ridiculous.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humble suggestion" when you want to offer an idea without sounding arrogant or forceful. It's particularly useful in professional or academic settings where politeness is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "humble suggestion" excessively, as it can come across as insincere or overly obsequious. Vary your language to maintain authenticity and avoid cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humble suggestion" functions as a polite way to introduce an idea or recommendation, softening the potential impact of the suggestion by emphasizing the speaker's modesty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a sense of deference and consideration towards the recipient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

17%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humble suggestion" is a commonly used phrase to introduce an idea or recommendation with modesty and politeness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and it is found frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. Alternatives such as "modest proposal" or "respectful recommendation" can be used to provide variety. While generally suitable for formal settings, overuse should be avoided to prevent sounding insincere. The phrase serves to soften the impact of the suggestion, making it more palatable and encouraging collaboration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I humbly suggest

Incorporates the adverb "humbly" to emphasize the speaker's modesty

modest proposal

Emphasizes the unassuming nature of the suggestion.

respectful recommendation

Highlights the respect conveyed in the suggestion.

gentle suggestion

Focuses on the mild and non-forceful manner of the suggestion.

polite suggestion

Highlights the courteous tone of the suggestion.

deferential advice

Suggests giving advice with deference to the recipient's position or knowledge.

tentative recommendation

Implies that the suggestion is not strongly asserted.

with all due respect, I suggest

Phrases the suggestion with deference and consideration.

preliminary suggestion

Indicates that the suggestion is initial and open to revision.

unassuming counsel

Conveys advice given without arrogance or presumption.

FAQs

How can I use "humble suggestion" in a sentence?

You might say, "As a "humble suggestion", we could try a different approach." This frames your idea as modest and non-imposing.

What are some alternatives to "humble suggestion"?

Consider using phrases like "modest proposal", "respectful recommendation", or "gentle suggestion" as alternatives to a "humble suggestion".

When is it appropriate to use "humble suggestion"?

It's appropriate when you want to offer an idea with politeness and avoid sounding assertive or superior. It is often used in professional environments, such as in a meeting with coworkers.

Is "humble suggestion" formal or informal?

It leans towards the formal side but can be used in many contexts where politeness is valued. The key is to ensure the tone matches the overall context of the communication.