humble yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humble yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should show humility and humbleness. For example, you can say: "If you want to succeed in life, it is important to remember to humble yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

And it is to take seriously the words of the prophet Micah, 'And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?'.

Huffington Post

I think it's a lot easier to find a way to humble yourself".

The New York Times - Sports

"You can do one of two things: You can humble yourself, or life will humble you.

The New York Times - Sports

If you expect your employees to be humble, lead by example and be humble yourself.

Harvard Business Review

He dropped to his knees and told the men that when you pray you have to humble yourself before your Creator.

The New Yorker

But when you get older and start to see it develop and see this culture happening around it, you humble yourself and say, "Wow, this is beautiful".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

As the angel said to the Prophet Daniel, "you have humbled yourself before your God".

Huffington Post

"How To Be Like the Publican " has some suggestions on humbling yourself.

WikiHow

Maintain a professional, humble, and yourself attitude.

WikiHow

You proclaim that you are humbled, bringing yourself down to earth just as others raise you above it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stay humble and be yourself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using the phrase, consider the context. Sometimes, suggesting someone "humble yourself" might be perceived as condescending. Ensure the situation warrants such advice.

Common error

Avoid using "humble yourself" to suggest putting oneself down excessively. Humility is about recognizing one's limitations without denying one's worth. Self-deprecation, on the other hand, can undermine confidence and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humble yourself" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to adopt a more modest attitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a call to show humility and humbleness. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from religious contexts to self-improvement advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "humble yourself" is a grammatically sound and widely used imperative that advises someone to adopt a more modest attitude. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase suggests showing humility. It's frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, but its register can vary from formal to neutral depending on the context. While advising humility is valuable, ensure it doesn't cross the line into self-deprecation. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "be modest" or "lower your pride" to best suit the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be modest

Focuses on exhibiting modesty as a character trait, rather than a specific action.

lower your pride

Directly addresses the act of reducing one's sense of self-importance.

practice humility

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to cultivate a humble attitude.

be unassuming

Highlights the quality of not being pretentious or arrogant.

take a humble stance

Suggests adopting a position or attitude of humility.

show deference

Implies yielding or submitting to another's judgment or authority.

adopt a low profile

Focuses on avoiding attention and keeping a discreet presence.

be self-effacing

Highlights the act of downplaying one's own achievements or qualities.

eat humble pie

An idiomatic expression for admitting one's error or defeat.

come down a peg

Suggests a reduction in status or self-esteem after a period of arrogance.

FAQs

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

You can use "humble yourself" when you want to suggest that someone should show humility and humbleness. For example, you might say, "If you want to learn from your mistakes, you must "humble yourself" and admit them."

What does it mean to "humble yourself" before God?

To "humble yourself" before God means to acknowledge your dependence on a higher power, confess your imperfections, and approach with reverence and respect. It signifies surrendering your ego and will to divine guidance.

What are some alternatives to saying "humble yourself"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be modest", "lower your pride", or "practice humility". Each carries a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar message of modesty.

In what situations is it appropriate to tell someone to "humble yourself"?

It's appropriate to suggest someone "humble yourself" when they are displaying arrogance, refusing to admit mistakes, or acting superior. However, it's crucial to deliver this advice with empathy and respect, as it can be a sensitive topic.