Julianna FriskYou’re writing a message to someone and suddenly hesitate. Should it be “I’m proud on you” or “I’m proud of you”? The phrases sound close, and if English isn’t your first language, the difference can feel confusing.
Here’s the short answer, followed by the why.
The Correct Phrase: “Proud of You”
The correct and natural expression in English is “proud of you.” This is the standard phrasing used to express pride in someone’s actions, growth, or achievements.
Examples:
- “You passed your exam? I’m proud of you.”
- “She’s proud of her team for finishing the project on time.”
- “Starting your own business takes courage. I’m proud of you for doing it.”
- “The last few months were hard, and you kept going. I’m really proud of you.”
- “You practiced for weeks and it paid off. We’re proud of you.”
This phrasing sounds natural in both casual and formal situations.
Why “Proud on You” Is Incorrect
While “proud on you” may sound logical, it is not used in standard English. The verb proud takes the preposition of, not on.
Incorrect:
- “I’m proud on you for your hard work.”
Correct:
- “I’m proud of you for your hard work.”
Using on here immediately sounds non-native to English speakers.
Where the Confusion Comes From
This mistake is very common among non-native speakers, and for good reason. Many languages use a preposition that translates directly to on.
For example:
- In Dutch: trots op je (“proud on you”)
- In Hindi or Urdu: tum par fakhr hai (“pride on you”)
- In Czech: jsem na tebe pyšný (“I’m proud on you”)
Because of this, “proud on you” can feel intuitive. English simply works differently and sticks with of.
What About Other Variations?
You might also hear these forms:
“Proud about you”
This sounds awkward in most cases. It works only when you are referring to a specific action, not the person as a whole.
Correct:
- “I’m proud about how you handled that meeting.”
Awkward:
- “I’m proud about you.”
“Proud for you”
This version is sometimes used, and it shifts the meaning slightly. It expresses happiness on someone’s behalf rather than pride in them.
Examples:
- “You got the job? I’m proud for you.”
- “She’s proud for her sister, who just published her first book.”
It’s acceptable, but “proud of you” is still the safest and most natural option.
The Simple Rule to Remember
If you want to sound natural and correct in English, the safest choice is always: “I’m proud of you.” This phrasing works in casual conversations, professional settings, written messages, and spoken English. Whether you’re talking to a friend, a family member, or a coworker, it never sounds out of place.
When in doubt, stick with of, it’s the form native speakers use every time.
Julianna Frisk
