Is It Grammatically Correct to Say I Feel Proud of Myself for Having Done Something? A Comprehensive Guide
Is It Grammatically Correct to Say 'I Feel Proud of Myself for Having Done Something'? A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to asking whether a particular English sentence is grammatically correct, the answer often is a resounding 'Yes!' as long as it adheres to the rules of grammar and proper usage. This article explores the grammatical correctness of using phrases like 'I feel proud of myself for having done something' and provides a detailed explanation of the rules governing such sentences.
Understanding the Tenses
The question of whether it is grammatically correct to say 'I feel proud of myself for having done something' hinges on the correct usage of tenses in English. The key here is to understand the distinction between the present perfect tense and other tenses.
Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that happened in the past but continues to have relevance in the present. In this context, the phrase 'I feel proud of myself for having done something' is perfectly correct. It indicates that the action of accomplishing something in the past still influences your current feeling of pride.
Example
I feel proud of myself for having given up smoking. The act of giving up smoking, which happened in the past, contributes to your current state of feeling proud. The use of 'having given up smoking' is a key part of this sentence, creating a link between the past action and the present feeling of pride.
Correct Usage
It is important to note that while some words can be omitted without changing the meaning, they can sometimes provide emphasis. For example:
I feel proud of myself for having given up smoking. (Correct and clear)
I feel proud for having given up smoking. (Still correct, but slightly less emphatic)
Proper Tense UsageIt is incorrect to use 'for having done that' when referring to a past action with a present relevance. For instance, saying 'I feel proud for having done that' is wrong. The correct sentence should be:
I feel proud of myself for having done that. (Correct)
Conclusion
To sum up, the statement 'I feel proud of myself for having done something' is grammatically correct. It accurately conveys that the past action of doing something has an ongoing impact on your present state of mind. If you wish to express that your feelings of pride have changed over time, you could say:
I was proud of myself for having done that. (Indicating that the pride is no longer present)
Understanding and mastering the use of tenses in English enhances your ability to communicate effectively and accurately.