humbly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humbly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing modesty or a lack of arrogance in one's actions or statements. Example: "I humbly request your assistance in this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

May the Mail humbly suggest that if he doesn't want the public to know about his meddling, he shouldn't do it?" So surely the Guardian deserves a pat on the back... I'm afraid not.

The Guardian

Others English cities on the list include Plymouth ("I'm not joking," says defragmentation, humbly.

The Guardian

They scooped a Hottest 100 No 1 in 2002 with No-One Knows, a record which I would humbly claim is a masterpiece.

The Guardian

Mary sits humbly, profoundly aware of her task, in a loggia whose architecture is brilliantly delineated in depth.

The Guardian - Arts

That was what Barack Obama told students in Cairo soon after taking office in 2009, in a speech intended to heal rifts with the Muslim world and start restoring America's image after the mistakes of the Bush years.America has learned that problems must be tackled with the help of others, Mr Obama humbly reported.

The Economist

LENOVO started humbly.

The Economist

I humbly hope that your Excellency will champion honesty, propagate justice, and promote democracy…"Song died on March 22nd.

The Economist

In fact, I almost gave back last year's stimulus tax-cut.I humbly suggest that when a rocket scientist can't correctly fill out his own tax form, it's time to simplify the tax code.Josh Hopkins Littleton, ColoradoYou are what you isSIR – Your discussion of what makes a country was insightful ("In quite a state", April 10th).

The Economist

As Mr Kato humbly acknowledged this week, he thought only of his lofty goals, not about the grubby business of how to achieve them.

The Economist

He lived humbly in Little Saigon in Orange County, California, lodging with fellow countrymen.

The Economist

Many observers friendly to the monarchy argue that it needs to become more ordinary marry commoners, live humbly, and so on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humbly" to convey sincerity and respect, especially when making a request or expressing an opinion that might be controversial or perceived as presumptuous.

Common error

Avoid using "humbly" excessively in business or academic writing, as it can sometimes come across as insincere or overly deferential. Opt for more direct and confident language where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "humbly" modifies verbs, adverbs or adjectives, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is expressed. Ludwig shows it functions to soften claims or requests, conveying respect and a lack of arrogance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "humbly" is a versatile word used to express modesty and respect in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news, encyclopedias, and formal business communications. While "humbly" softens claims and conveys sincerity, overuse in formal settings can sound insincere. Related phrases like "modestly" and "respectfully" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use "humbly" strategically to convey the right tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with humility

A more explicit and less concise way of expressing the same sentiment as "humbly".

in a humble manner

A more descriptive and less direct way to convey the meaning of "humbly".

modestly

Highlights a lack of boasting or pretension, which is a key aspect of "humbly".

unassumingly

Emphasizes a lack of arrogance or a desire to stand out, similar to the spirit of "humbly".

without arrogance

Highlights the absence of pride or self-importance, capturing a core element of acting "humbly".

meekly

Implies submissiveness or a lack of assertiveness, differing from "humbly" which can also suggest respect.

in a self-effacing way

Focuses on downplaying one's own achievements or qualities, a nuanced form of acting "humbly".

respectfully

Focuses on showing deference or consideration, where "humbly" can also imply a low self-regard.

deferentially

Stresses yielding to another's judgment or authority, a specific type of humble behavior.

submissively

Suggests a willingness to obey orders or yield to authority, often more extreme than simply acting "humbly".

FAQs

How can I use "humbly" in a sentence?

You can use "humbly" to modify a verb, expressing that an action is performed in a humble manner. For example, "I "humbly submit" that this approach is best" or "He "humbly acknowledged" his mistake".

What are some alternatives to using "humbly"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "humbly" with alternatives such as "modestly", "respectfully", or "meekly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "humbly" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using "humbly" too often in formal writing can sound overly subservient or even disingenuous. Consider whether a more direct and confident tone would be more effective.

What's the difference between "humbly" and "with humility"?

"Humbly" is an adverb that directly modifies a verb, whereas "with humility" is a prepositional phrase. Both convey a similar meaning, but "humbly" is often more concise and direct.