Proud to Be vs. Proud of Being – Which is Correct?
Both “proud to be” and “proud of being” are correct English expressions. Use “proud to be” before a noun, adjective, or verb phrase, especially for identity or a current state. Use “proud of being” before a gerund phrase, often emphasizing an experience, action, or condition as the source of pride.
Proud to Be or Proud of Being – Which is Correct?
Both expressions are grammatically correct, but they use different structures. “Proud to be” is followed by a base verb and commonly introduces an identity, role, nationality, status, or personal quality. “Proud of being” is followed by a gerund and presents “being” as the experience, condition, or fact that causes the speaker’s pride.
A related comparison, “Proud of You” vs. “Proud for You,” also depends on the preposition.
In many sentences, the two expressions have nearly the same meaning. For example, “I am proud to be a teacher” and “I am proud of being a teacher” are both correct. The first often sounds more direct and natural, while the second places slightly more emphasis on the experience or condition of being a teacher.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the verb test: after proud to, use the base form of a verb, as in “proud to be.” After proud of, use a noun or gerund, as in “proud of being.” Remember: to + verb, but of + noun or -ing form.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| proud to be | Adjective phrase | Feeling satisfaction about an identity, role, quality, or state | I am proud to be part of this team. |
| proud of being | Adjective phrase with a gerund | Feeling satisfaction about the experience or condition of being something | She is proud of being an independent artist. |
How to Use Proud to Be
“Proud to be” is an adjective phrase used to express satisfaction, honor, or pleasure about an identity, role, quality, or situation. It is followed by the base verb be, which may then be followed by a noun, adjective, or prepositional phrase.
This construction is especially common in speeches, announcements, personal statements, advertisements, and formal or semi-formal communication. It often sounds confident, positive, and direct.
Example 1: I am proud to be a member of this community.
Example 2: She is proud to be honest about her mistakes.
Example 3: We are proud to be working with local volunteers.
Etymology of the Phrase Proud to Be
Proud comes from the Old English word prūd, related to ideas of excellence, glory, and self-esteem. The infinitive marker to developed from an Old English preposition and came to introduce infinitive verbs. Together, “proud to be” follows the broader English pattern of using an adjective plus an infinitive to describe an emotional response to an action or state.
How to Use Proud of Being
“Proud of being” is an adjective phrase in which being functions as a gerund. It is followed by a noun, adjective, or phrase that identifies the condition or role associated with the speaker’s pride.
This construction can sound slightly more reflective than “proud to be.” It focuses attention on the experience, status, or fact of being something rather than simply announcing the speaker’s identity. It is also useful when being is part of a longer phrase.
Example 1: He is proud of being the first person in his family to attend college.
Example 2: They are proud of being involved in the neighborhood project.
Example 3: I am proud of being patient during a difficult conversation.
Etymology of the Phrase Proud of Being
The phrase combines proud, from Old English prūd, with the preposition of and the gerund being. Being is the -ing form of be, a verb with roots in several ancient Germanic forms. The pattern “adjective + of + gerund” is a common English structure for describing feelings about an activity, experience, or condition.
Related Concepts
Understanding infinitives, gerunds, and adjective complements makes the distinction between these two expressions easier to recognize.
- Infinitives: An infinitive usually consists of to plus the base form of a verb, such as “to be,” “to learn,” or “to help.” In “proud to be,” to be is an infinitive phrase.
- Gerunds: A gerund is an -ing form that functions as a noun. In “proud of being,” being acts as the object of the preposition of.
- Adjective complements: Some adjectives are commonly followed by particular structures. “Proud” can be followed by an infinitive phrase or by of plus a noun or gerund.
- Prepositions: The preposition of generally takes a noun, pronoun, or gerund, not a bare base-form verb. This is why “proud of being” is correct, while “proud of be” is incorrect.
Examples from Media and Literature
Both constructions appear frequently in public language, storytelling, and character descriptions. The following examples illustrate natural contexts without suggesting that one form is always preferable:
- Memoirs and autobiographies: A narrator may write, “I am proud to be part of this family” when expressing identity and belonging.
- Sports interviews: An athlete may say, “We are proud to be representing our country,” emphasizing the honor of a current role.
- Historical dramas: A character may declare, “I am proud of being descended from these people,” focusing on heritage and personal connection.
- News coverage: Community leaders often say they are “proud to be working with local residents” after a successful public project.
- Films and television: Characters may describe themselves as “proud of being different” when discussing individuality or personal identity.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct expression to complete each sentence. In some cases, both expressions may be grammatically possible, but select the one that best matches the intended emphasis.
- I am ______ a volunteer at the animal shelter. (proud to be / proud of being)
- She is ______ honest, even when the truth is uncomfortable. (proud to be / proud of being)
- They are ______ part of a team that helped rebuild the library. (proud to be / proud of being)
- He is ______ the first person in his family to graduate from college. (proud to be / proud of being)
- We are ______ able to support local businesses. (proud to be / proud of being)
Answer Key
- proud to be — The phrase directly identifies the speaker’s role.
- proud to be — The infinitive phrase introduces a personal quality.
- proud of being — The gerund emphasizes the experience or condition of belonging to the team.
- proud of being — The sentence focuses on the condition of being the first graduate in the family.
- proud to be — The infinitive construction naturally introduces the ability or opportunity.
Proud to Be Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| honored to be | Feeling privileged or respected because of a role or opportunity |
| pleased to be | Feeling happy or satisfied about a current situation |
| delighted to be | Feeling very happy about an identity, position, or circumstance |
| glad to be | Feeling thankful or happy about being in a particular state |
| fortunate to be | Recognizing that one’s situation is especially favorable |
Proud of Being Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| satisfied with being | Content with a particular role, state, or identity |
| pleased about being | Happy about the condition or experience of being something |
| happy to be | Feeling positive about a current identity or situation |
| gratified by being | Feeling satisfaction as a result of a particular condition or role |
| self-respecting as | Maintaining a positive sense of dignity in a particular identity or role |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “proud to be” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Proud to be” is correct and very common. It is followed by the infinitive to be, as in “I am proud to be your friend” or “She is proud to be independent.”
Question 2: Is “proud of being” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Proud of being” is also correct. Here, being is a gerund that follows the preposition of, as in “He is proud of being a parent.”
Question 3: Which sounds more natural: “proud to be” or “proud of being”?
“Proud to be” often sounds more direct and natural when announcing an identity, role, or current state. “Proud of being” is useful when emphasizing the experience or condition of being something. Both are acceptable in many contexts.
Conclusion
“Proud to be” and “proud of being” are both correct. Use proud to be with an infinitive when making a direct statement about an identity, role, quality, or situation. Use proud of being with a gerund when emphasizing the experience or condition itself. Pro Tip: In professional writing, choose the construction that expresses your intended emphasis clearly; precise phrasing strengthens your credibility and professional reputation.
