not to brag

USAGE SUMMARY

"not to brag" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to modestly indicate that you are making a statement about your own abilities, actions, or accomplishments. For example, "I made it to the top of the mountain - not to brag, but I'm really proud of myself!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But try not to brag; it wouldn't be appropriate.

The New York Times - Travel

It's also good practice for them not to brag about their China profits.

The New York Times

But if we succeed, let's try not to brag about it.

The New York Times - Books

NOT to brag, but my laundry room is a storage lover's dream space.

The New York Times - Tech

"Not to brag about him, but Dad was so smart, such a passionate person," she said.

The New York Times

Also, not to brag but I totally got to second base with Becky Jorgensen in the back seat.

The New Yorker

Once I'd taken the trouble to do that, it seemed silly not to brag about it a bit.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The point of this post wasn't to brag or say it's easy moving to a new city.

Huffington Post

Maintain good morals and good habits that glorify God in your body in everyday life--not to brag or boast, but to glorify God.

WikiHow

The Obama record is not one to brag about.

The Guardian - Opinion

Who I do not have to brag to.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with a statement that genuinely warrants a touch of self-praise, rather than using it as a lead-in to mundane accomplishments.

Common error

Avoid using "not to brag" sarcastically when the subsequent statement is obviously unimpressive or untrue. This can come across as condescending or trying too hard to be funny, undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to brag" serves as a disclaimer or hedge, primarily functioning to mitigate the potential negative perception of boasting. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that this usage aligns with common English conversational patterns. It is used to introduce a statement that might otherwise be considered arrogant or self-aggrandizing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

32%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not to brag" is a common introductory phrase used to preface a statement that might be perceived as boastful. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves as a disclaimer intended to soften the impact of self-praise and maintain a sense of humility. While grammatically correct and widely used, it leans toward informal and neutral registers, making it less suitable for highly formal or academic contexts. Overuse can diminish its sincerity, so it's best employed judiciously. Related phrases, like "if I may say so myself" or "without meaning to boast", can offer alternatives depending on the specific tone and context you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Without meaning to boast

Emphasizes the lack of intention to brag, focusing on the speaker's mindset.

If I may say so myself

Highlights the speaker's subjective opinion and awareness of potential self-praise.

Hoping not to sound immodest

Directly addresses the concern of appearing arrogant or self-centered.

I don't mean to boast

A more straightforward disclaimer against bragging, focusing on the speaker's intent.

Not to sound arrogant

Similar to the original, but specifically addresses the potential perception of arrogance.

If I can be so bold

Acknowledges the potential audacity of the statement, softening the impact.

Pardon my immodesty

Requests forgiveness for a potentially boastful statement, more formal in tone.

Dare I say

Introduces the statement with a hint of hesitation, suggesting it might be presumptuous.

It is my humble opinion

Downplays the speaker's authority, presenting the statement as a personal belief.

Let me just say

Simplifies the expression, emphasizing a desire to just make a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "not to brag" in a sentence?

Use "not to brag" as an introductory phrase before making a statement that might sound boastful. For example, "Not to brag, but I aced my exam."

What does "not to brag" actually mean?

It's a phrase used to preface a statement that might sound boastful. It's meant to show humility while still sharing a positive accomplishment or quality.

What can I say instead of "not to brag"?

You can use alternatives like "if I may say so myself", "without meaning to boast", or "I don't mean to boast" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "not to brag" in formal writing?

While "not to brag" is generally acceptable, it leans toward informal. In formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "pardon my immodesty" or framing your achievements in a humble, factual manner.