would be proud

USAGE SUMMARY

"would be proud" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express an expectation that someone is likely to feel a certain emotion. For example, "She worked so hard to finish the project - her parents would be proud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rozelle would be proud.

The New York Times - Sports

Cassavetes would be proud.

The New York Times

Dumbledore would be proud.

Independent

KITT would be proud.

The Economist

WILLY WONKA would be proud.

The Economist

SAINT IGNATIUS would be proud.

The Economist

His dad would be proud.

Independent

General Giap would be proud.

The Economist

Beau Brummel would be proud.

The New York Times

My father would be proud.

The New York Times

Chappelle would be proud.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would be proud" when you want to express that someone, typically a person of authority or someone respected, would likely feel satisfaction or approval given a specific action or outcome. For example, "My teacher would be proud of my progress".

Common error

Avoid using "would be proud" when the context implies arrogance or self-satisfaction instead of genuine appreciation. Ensure the feeling of pride is rightfully attributed to another person or entity, not yourself. Do not use it to sound condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be proud" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It expresses a conditional or hypothetical state of approval or satisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common expression. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to indicate that someone is expected to feel pride.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would be proud" is a versatile phrase used to express a conditional expectation of pride or approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound expression suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news articles to everyday conversations. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a situation where someone else's pride is anticipated, avoiding any misattribution of the feeling. Consider alternatives like "would approve of" or "would take pride in" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would feel pride

Emphasizes the feeling of pride rather than the state of being proud.

would take pride in

Highlights the act of taking pride in something, implying a sense of ownership or connection.

would approve of

Indicates agreement or satisfaction with a particular action or decision.

would be pleased

A more general expression of satisfaction or contentment.

would commend

Focuses on the act of praising or commending someone's actions.

would be delighted

Expresses a stronger sense of happiness and pleasure.

would look favorably upon

Suggests a positive assessment or judgment.

would think highly of

Highlights a positive opinion or regard.

would sing the praises of

Implies a strong and enthusiastic endorsement.

would give accolades to

Focuses on the act of bestowing honors or awards.

FAQs

How can I use "would be proud" in a sentence?

You can use "would be proud" to express an expectation of someone's positive feelings. For example, "If she wins the competition, her parents "would be proud"".

What phrases are similar to "would be proud"?

Similar phrases include "would approve of", "would take pride in", and "would commend", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "will be proud" instead of "would be proud"?

Both "will be proud" and "would be proud" are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "Will be proud" expresses a future certainty, while "would be proud" expresses a conditional or hypothetical expectation.

What's the difference between "would be proud" and "should be proud"?

"Would be proud" suggests an expectation based on someone's values or character, while "should be proud" expresses an opinion or recommendation that someone has a reason to feel pride.