show humility

USAGE SUMMARY

"show humility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a person's behavior or actions. For example: "Despite his many accomplishments, John always shows humility towards others." This means that despite being successful, John remains modest and humble in his interactions with others.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

These people show humility.

The New York Times

She urged the government to show humility.

The Guardian - Opinion

We will show humility in front of this huge task.

The New York Times

This is not a man one would expect to show humility in prayer.

The New York Times

Those in power know that they must show humility to two things – God and the Egyptians.

The Guardian

Trump, meanwhile, should "fill in the gaps in his policy proposals," "show humility," and "stop lying".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

What's your opinion?' That showed humility and openness".

The Guardian - Money

"Last Sunday night, my running mate showed humility," Pence said.

The New Yorker

As the scrutiny has increased, Mr. Bloomberg, known for his brassy rebuttals, has shown humility.

The New York Times

Johnson, one of three possible successors named by the prime minister, said Cameron had shown humility.

The Guardian

It was a small detail, but one that showed humility and respect — no one's name ought to be mangled in those circumstances.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show humility" to encourage individuals to be open to feedback and to acknowledge their limitations. This helps foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Common error

Avoid equating "show humility" with lacking confidence or being indecisive. Humility is about acknowledging limitations and respecting others, not about undermining your capabilities. Ensure you balance humility with assertiveness in appropriate contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show humility" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "show" is the verb and "humility" is the noun object. It expresses an action—the act of demonstrating a humble attitude or behavior. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show humility" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that encourages the demonstration of modesty and respect. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and widespread application across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, remember that it's about genuine acknowledgment and respect, not about projecting weakness. Alternatives like "display humbleness" or "demonstrate meekness" offer similar but slightly nuanced meanings, allowing for precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display humbleness

Replaces "humility" with a synonym, "humbleness", maintaining a similar tone.

be unassuming

Highlights the quality of not being pretentious or arrogant.

demonstrate meekness

Substitutes "humility" with "meekness", focusing on the quality of being mild and patient.

adopt a humble posture

Emphasizes the physical or behavioral expression of humility.

exhibit a modest attitude

Rephrases the concept to emphasize a modest and unassuming demeanor.

conduct oneself modestly

Focuses on behaving in a restrained and humble manner.

act with deference

Focuses on showing respect and yielding to others.

express a lack of pride

Directly indicates the absence of arrogance or excessive self-esteem.

maintain a low profile

Shifts the focus to avoiding attention and not seeking prominence.

keep ego in check

Highlights controlling one's ego to avoid arrogance.

FAQs

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

You can use "show humility" to describe actions that demonstrate a lack of arrogance and a willingness to acknowledge one's limitations. For example, "The leader decided to "show humility" by admitting his mistakes to the team".

What's a good alternative to "show humility"?

Alternatives include "display humbleness", "demonstrate meekness", or "exhibit a modest attitude", each slightly altering the nuance of the original phrase.

Is it better to "show humility" or "be humble"?

Both "show humility" and "be humble" are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Show humility" emphasizes the act of demonstrating humbleness outwardly, while "be humble" describes an inherent quality of character. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

When is it appropriate to "show humility"?

It is appropriate to "show humility" when acknowledging mistakes, receiving praise, or interacting with others who may have less power or status. It's a way to build trust and demonstrate respect.