we are humbled

USAGE SUMMARY

'we are humbled' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express humility or admiration in the face of something positive or meaningful. For example, "We are humbled by the generosity of our supporters and the work they do to make the world a better place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We are humbled," Simmons said.

The New Yorker

"Every day, we are humbled by what's going on".

The New York Times

For example, we are humbled by their size.

The New York Times

"We are humbled and honoured by this gesture," a beyondblue spokesperson said.

The Guardian

We are humbled by the privilege of being tasked to care for her in her final struggle.

The New York Times

"Definitely we have seen an increase of people offering to help, and we are humbled by that".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We're humbled to be here.

Independent

We were humbled by the trees.

The New York Times - Travel

"We're honored to be in this position, but we're humbled at the same time," said Coach Larry Anderson, beginning his 18th year.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were humbled to have so much interest from top-tier investors.

TechCrunch

"We're humbled and honoured by the award," Mr Swartz's father told the CBS news website.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are humbled" to express sincere appreciation and respect when acknowledging support, recognition, or positive feedback. This phrase adds a touch of sincerity to formal communications, conveying genuine emotion and making the recipient feel valued.

Common error

Avoid using "we are humbled" in casual conversations or informal settings. This phrase carries a level of formality that may sound unnatural or insincere if used inappropriately. Consider using more casual alternatives like "we're grateful" or "we appreciate it" for everyday interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are humbled" functions as an expression of gratitude or respect, often used in response to praise, recognition, or support. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role as an acknowledgement of something significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are humbled" is a widely used phrase to express gratitude and respect, often in response to positive recognition or support. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. While "we are humbled" conveys sincerity, it should be used thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Consider alternatives such as "we are grateful" or "we are honored" to add variety to your expressions of appreciation. Based on the real-world examples, "we are humbled" is highly prevalent in News & Media and Formal & Business communication, solidifying its position as a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are grateful

Expresses thankfulness and appreciation, shifting the focus slightly from humility to gratitude.

we are honored

Indicates feeling privileged and respected, emphasizing the positive recognition received.

we are thankful

Similar to "we are grateful", but can imply a more personal sense of thankfulness.

we are appreciative

Highlights the recognition and value placed on something received, focusing on the appreciation aspect.

we are deeply moved

Emphasizes the emotional impact and profound feeling caused by an action or gesture.

we are in awe

Expresses a feeling of reverence and admiration, suggesting a sense of wonder.

we are touched

Indicates a feeling of emotional connection and appreciation, highlighting the personal impact.

we are mindful

Expresses attentiveness to the feelings of other people, often with a focus on being sensitive.

we are mindful of

Acknowledges and takes into consideration something important, often a responsibility or challenge.

we are cognizant of

Emphasizes awareness and understanding of a situation or issue, often implying a sense of responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "we are humbled" in a sentence?

You can use "we are humbled" to express a sense of gratitude or respect when receiving praise, support, or recognition. For instance, "We are humbled by your generous donation to our cause" or "We are humbled to receive this prestigious award".

What are some alternatives to saying "we are humbled"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we are grateful", "we are honored", "we are thankful", or "we are appreciative" to convey similar sentiments.

Is it appropriate to use "we are humbled" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "we are humbled" is generally more suitable for formal or professional settings. In casual conversations, simpler expressions like "we appreciate it" or "we are grateful" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "we are humbled" and "we are honored"?

"We are humbled" often implies a feeling of insignificance or unworthiness in the face of something significant, while "we are honored" focuses more on the privilege and respect associated with the recognition. Both express positive sentiments, but their nuances differ.