“Proud of You” vs. “Proud for You” – Expressing Admiration and Support
Expressions of pride convey admiration and emotional support, but the subtle differences between “proud of you” and “proud for you” can change the sentiment of the message.
Quick Summary
“Proud of you” is a personal commendation for someone’s achievements or qualities, while “proud for you” reflects shared happiness or excitement about another’s success, often suggesting that the success is seen as separate from the speaker’s personal involvement.
“Proud of You” vs. “Proud for You” – Which is Correct?
Both expressions are correct but are used to convey different aspects of pride:
| Phrase | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Proud of you | To express personal admiration for someone’s achievements or character | I am proud of you for graduating at the top of your class. |
| Proud for you | To express vicarious happiness for someone’s success | I am proud for you now that you’ve landed your dream job. |
How to Use “Proud of You”
“Proud of you” is a direct expression of personal pride in someone’s actions or character. Here’s how to use it:
- Acknowledging personal achievement:
“As your mentor, I am proud of you for overcoming those challenges.” - Celebrating character development:
“I am proud of you for showing such kindness to others.”
How to Use “Proud for You”
“Proud for you” is used when the speaker is expressing happiness for someone else’s achievement from a more detached perspective. Here’s how to use it:
- Congratulating a distant acquaintance:
“I heard about your promotion, and I’m so proud for you!” - When the achievement is independent of the speaker:
“Your community service award is a big deal, and I’m proud for you.”
Practice Exercises
Determine which phrase fits best in the following sentences:
- Your perseverance has paid off, and I am _ (proud of you/proud for you).
- Even though we’ve never met, I am _ (proud of you/proud for you) for winning the competition.
- As your parent, I am _ (proud of you/proud for you) for everything you’ve accomplished.
- It’s an amazing achievement, and I’m _ (proud of you/proud for you) to see you recognized this way.
- Your dedication to your art is inspiring, and I am _ (proud of you/proud for you).
Answer Key:
- proud of you
- proud for you
- proud of you
- proud for you
- proud of you
Conclusion
While “proud of you” and “proud for you” are both expressions of pride, they differ in their relational dynamics. “Proud of you” is a more intimate and personal acknowledgment, whereas “proud for you” often conveys a sense of vicarious pleasure or communal celebration.
Recognizing when to use each phrase can help you communicate your feelings of pride more accurately and meaningfully.
