I am privileged to

Using this phrase is quite straightforward. You simply follow it with a verb in its base form. For instance, you might say, I am privileged to serve as your chairman. You can also use it to talk about past experiences by saying, I was privileged to work with her. In writing, it often starts a paragraph or a speech. It sets a tone of high-level professionalism immediately. You don't need to add many adverbs because the phrase is already very strong on its own. It does the heavy lifting for you!

This is a phrase for the big moments. Use it when you are giving a speech at a wedding or a graduation. It is perfect for the first paragraph of a cover letter for a high-level job. If you are introduced to someone you deeply admire, like a famous author or a CEO, this phrase is your best friend. It also works well in formal business announcements. For example, We are privileged to announce our new partnership. It makes the news feel more important and prestigious. It’s the ultimate way to show you don't take things for granted.

Because this phrase is so heavy and formal, you must be careful. Do not use it for everyday chores. If you tell your roommate, I am privileged to take out the trash, they will think you are being incredibly sarcastic. It is also too much for casual office tasks. Don't use it when replying to a quick email about a meeting time. If you use it for small things, it loses its power. It can start to sound fake or "corporate" if used every single day. Keep it in your pocket for when it really matters.

The word privilege has deep roots in history, originally referring to special rights given to specific people. In modern English, we’ve turned it into a tool for politeness. In Western cultures, especially in the UK and the US, appearing humble is a key part of leadership. By saying you are "privileged," you are showing that you don't have a big ego. You are acknowledging that your success depends on others or on good fortune. It’s a way of staying grounded while being in a high position.

You will often see It is a privilege to... which shifts the focus from "you" to the "action." This is even more formal. Another common one is I feel privileged to... which sounds a bit more personal and emotional. If you want to be very emphatic, you can say, I consider it a great privilege to... This adds an extra layer of seriousness. In more modern, slightly less formal business settings, people might just say, It’s an honor to... which carries a similar meaning but feels a tiny bit lighter.