We’ve all been there—you’re typing out a heartfelt message to a friend, family member, or coworker, and suddenly you pause. Should you say “I’m proud on you” or “I’m proud of you”?
If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence wondering which phrase to use, relax—you’re in good company! We’re about to settle this grammar question for good.
The Correct Phrase: “Proud of You”
The grammatically correct and natural-sounding phrase is “proud of you.” This is the standard way to express that you feel pride in someone’s achievements or growth.
✅ “You aced your exam? I’m so proud of you!”
✅ “She’s proud of her team for finishing the project on time.”
✅ “You finally started your own business? That’s amazing—I’m so proud of you for taking that leap!”
✅ “I know the last few months haven’t been easy, but the way you’ve kept going? Honestly, I’m really proud of you.”
✅“You practiced so hard for your piano recital, and you nailed it! We are so proud of you.”
Why “Proud on You” Doesn’t Work
While “proud on you” might sound similar (especially if English isn’t your first language), it’s not correct in standard English. The preposition “of” is what connects the feeling of pride to the person.
❌ “I’m proud on you for your hard work.” (Incorrect)
✅ “I’m proud of you for your hard work.” (Correct)
### Where Does the Confusion Come From?
Some languages use different prepositions with “proud,” which might lead to direct translations that don’t work in English. For example:
- In Dutch, you’d say “trots op je” (“proud on you”).
- In Hindi/Urdu, people might say “tum par fakhr hai” (“pride on you”).
- In Czech, my native language, we say “jsem na tebe pyšný” (I’m proud on you”).
This can make “proud on you” feel natural to some speakers, but in English, we stick with “of.”
What About Other Variations?
You might also hear:
“Proud about you” – This phrasing is less common and sounds a bit awkward in most contexts. However, you might hear it when referring to a specific action or situation rather than general pride in a person.
Example:
- ✅ “I’m proud about how you stood up for yourself in that meeting.”
- ❌ “I’m proud about you.” (Too vague—sounds unnatural)
While grammatically possible, “proud of” still flows better in most cases.
“Proud for you” – This version shifts the focus slightly—it expresses happiness on behalf of someone else, often when they’ve achieved something great. It’s less about your pride in them and more about celebrating their success.
Example:
- ✅ “You got into your dream school? That’s incredible—I’m so proud for you!”
- ✅ “She’s proud for her sister, who just published her first book.”
This works well when you’re expressing joy for someone rather than direct pride in them.
Final Verdict? Always “Proud of You”
If you want to sound natural and grammatically correct, stick with:
✨ “I’m proud of you!” ✨
It’s simple, heartfelt, and—most importantly—correct. So go ahead, spread the love, and let someone know you’re proud of them today!
