in all humility

USAGE SUMMARY

"In all humility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when someone is expressing a humble and respectful attitude or in offering a sincere apology. For example: "I apologize for my mistake, in all humility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I am, in all humility, the most able".

The Guardian - Sport

Alas, we cannot believe that now, and in all humility we must be prepared to learn lessons from others.

Independent

"In all humility, I was the person closest to her in the last 30 years of her life.

The New York Times - Arts

Speaking of his unexpected win, Solomons said: "It's absolutely incredible, I hadn't prepared anything to say in all humility.

The Guardian

"It seems to us essential to be, in all humility and with our means, the mouthpiece of the catastrophic economic situation of all French farmers," their Web site declared.

The New Yorker

Platini, currently suspended from his role as the Uefa president after his 90-day ban by Fifa's ethics committee while they investigate the 2011 payment, told the Daily Telegraph: "I am, in all humility, the most able to run world football … even if I cannot go out campaigning, I fully consider myself a candidate".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It should arouse a humility in all the rest of us, and in humility there is a silence, too.

The New York Times

In all my humility, here I am".

The New Yorker

Sunfish and Pizza Rat have an uncomplicated innocence that the week's other urban memes — Christopher Columbus of Brooklyn, the enraged white man who screams that he "settled this fucking neighborhood" for the "white privilege" "white trash" who offend him with their stroller; the Pope, in all his humility and complexity — cannot deliver.

The New Yorker

He's all humility, padding around in stocking feet, staying late and quietly worrying about Bernadette.

Los Angeles Times

Every international match is apt to be described as a learning experience but the lessons here were all in humility.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in all humility" when you want to express a genuine sense of modesty, especially when you are about to state an accomplishment or opinion that might be perceived as arrogant. For example, "In all humility, I believe my experience makes me well-suited for this role."

Common error

Avoid using "in all humility" excessively, especially in formal writing where directness and confidence are valued. Overusing this phrase can make you seem insincere or unsure of your abilities. Opt for more straightforward language to convey your achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in all humility" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the manner in which something is said or done. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it typically prefaces a statement to temper its impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in all humility" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express modesty and avoid arrogance when making a potentially boastful statement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While it is most common in news and media contexts, its neutral-to-formal register makes it suitable for various settings. Related phrases include "in all modesty" and "with all due respect". To use it effectively, ensure it aligns with your desired tone. While valuable for softening potentially arrogant assertions, overuse can undermine your perceived confidence. The frequency of this term is uncommon, suggesting it is used judiciously where a touch of modesty is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all modesty

Mirrors the original phrase but substitutes "humility" with "modesty", maintaining the core meaning.

in my humble opinion

Directly labels the forthcoming statement as a personal belief, presented without arrogance.

humbly speaking

Highlights the speaker's intention to present their views with humility. It is a more direct and personal declaration of modesty.

with all due respect

Implies a polite disagreement or qualification, shifting the focus from self-deprecation to respecting the listener's viewpoint.

without intending to brag

Explicitly states a lack of intention to boast, aiming for transparency and humility.

if I may say so myself

Emphasizes personal endorsement while recognizing potential self-promotion.

if I may be so bold

Acknowledges potential impudence, thus softening the assertion and showcasing a type of humility.

not to boast

Signals an intention to avoid bragging, subtly preempting potential criticism.

I dare say

Introduces a statement with a degree of hesitancy, lessening the potential for perceived arrogance.

it is not for me to say

Defers judgment or praise, conveying humility through self-restraint.

FAQs

How can I use "in all humility" in a sentence?

Use "in all humility" to preface a statement that might otherwise sound boastful or arrogant. For example, "In all humility, I believe I have the skills necessary to succeed in this role."

What does "in all humility" mean?

The phrase "in all humility" means expressing something with a sense of modesty and without arrogance. It is used to show that you are aware of your limitations or that you do not want to appear boastful.

What can I say instead of "in all humility"?

You can use alternatives like "in all modesty", "humbly speaking", or "with all due respect" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in all humility"?

It is appropriate to use "in all humility" when you need to assert something positive about yourself or your work but want to avoid sounding arrogant or boastful. It is especially useful in situations where you are aware that your statement might be perceived as self-praising.