humbled to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humbled to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of gratitude or modesty about a particular situation or opportunity. Example: "I am truly humbled to be recognized for my contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're humbled to be here.

Independent

The 43-year-old said he was "humbled" to be shortlisted.

Independent

"I am humbled to be part of that wave of change," he said.

The New York Times

I'm excited and humbled to be serving as Vice Chancellor at MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She says she feels humbled to be shortlisted for the public servant of the year award.

The Guardian

"I'm just humbled to be around all this greatness," he said.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kean said he was humbled to be part of the session.

The New York Times

I am humbled to be their public servant, and I will honor their trust and their confidence every day.

The New York Times

I am honored and humbled to be a part of a community that is strong, resilient and so deeply compassionate.

University of California, Berkeley

"I'm both honored and humbled to be appointed to this position," he said during the interview with WISN Milwaukee.

The Washington Post

I am humbled to be in the presence of you, his family, his friends and his community.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humbled to be" to express sincere gratitude or a feeling of unworthiness when receiving recognition or an opportunity. Ensure the context aligns with a genuine sense of modesty.

Common error

Avoid using "humbled to be" in situations where it sounds insincere or performative. Authenticity is key; otherwise, it may come across as disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humbled to be" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying the subject (often 'I' or 'we'). It expresses a feeling of gratitude and unworthiness in the face of an honor or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "humbled to be" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for conveying gratitude and modesty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in news, media, and academic contexts. While versatile, ensure its use is authentic to avoid sounding insincere. Consider alternatives like "honored to be" or "grateful to be" to match the specific nuance of your message. Its widespread acceptance suggests a strong place in both formal and informal communication. Be mindful of the context to ensure sincerity, leveraging its powerful impact appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honored and humbled to be

Combines both feelings for added emphasis.

proud and humbled to be

Conveys both pride in accomplishment and humility.

deeply honored to be

Adds intensity to the feeling of being honored.

honored to be

Replaces "humbled" with a more direct expression of honor.

grateful to be

Substitutes "humbled" with a word focusing on thankfulness.

thankful to be

Similar to 'grateful', but with a slightly different nuance.

blessed to be

Implies a sense of divine favor or good fortune.

privileged to be

Emphasizes the rarity and specialness of the opportunity.

fortunate to be

Highlights the luck involved in the situation.

moved to be

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the experience.

FAQs

What does it mean to say I am "humbled to be"?

Saying you are "humbled to be" expresses a feeling of respect, gratitude, and a sense of unworthiness, often in response to an honor, opportunity, or recognition.

What can I say instead of "humbled to be"?

You can use alternatives like "honored to be", "grateful to be", or "privileged to be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "humbled to be"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Humbled" functions as an adjective describing your state, and "to be" connects it to the situation you are describing.

How can I use "humbled to be" in a sentence?

You might say, "I am humbled to be recognized for my work" or "We are humbled to be a part of this important initiative". The phrase is often used in acceptance speeches or announcements.