Are you trying to explain to someone where you were born?
Perhaps you’re looking at the phrase “born and raised” in an essay or resume. However, you’re also a little worried that it’s informal and unprofessional.
Well, you’re in luck, as this article will help you understand your choices!
We’ve gathered some great synonyms to teach you different ways to say “born and raised.”
Is It Professional to Say “Born and Raised”?
It is not professional to say “born and raised.” Generally, it’s an unprofessional phrase that works well when writing friendly messages or describing where you came from to your peers.
You shouldn’t use it in resumes or essays. It’s not the best fit, as it tends to miss the correct tone that most readers look for.
Nevertheless, it’s still correct. It’s right to use the phrase in other contexts; you just need to avoid using it formally.
For instance, you can refer to this example to learn how it works:
I was born and raised in Manhattan. I’m so proud of my heritage, and I can’t wait to go back there!
Pros
- It’s a great way to explain your history.
- It’s fun and colloquial, making it a good fit when talking to friends.
Cons
- It’s unprofessional.
- You can’t use it to describe your history in resumes.
Clearly, “born and raised” isn’t the best fit in resumes or essays. So, you’ll need to find some alternatives that’ll help you to mix things up in your formal writing.
Keep reading to learn how to say “born and raised” in different situations. We’ve gathered some great synonyms to help you understand what’s available.
What to Say Instead of “Born and Raised”
- Brought up
- From
- Native to
- Hailing from
- Nurtured in
- Grew up in
- Rooted in
- Originating from
- Shaped by
1. Brought Up
We’ll start with “brought up” as another way to say “born and raised.” It’s a great option that shows where you came from.
It’s simple yet effective. Most of the time, native speakers use a phrase like this to show where they’re from and what they’ve learned over the years.
Generally, you can include this in a cover letter. It shows you were brought up in an area that might not be where you’re currently living.
You can also refer to these examples:
I was brought up in Croydon. It was a really nice place to live, and I learned a lot about myself there.
I was brought up in the suburbs. Luckily, I had a lot of people there for me, so I learned a lot about being myself.
2. From
One of the simplest alternatives to use in your writing is “from.” Yes, it can replace “born and raised,” and it’s only one word, which is great!
Using one word rather than three helps to streamline your writing. It keeps things simple and readable, which makes your writing more desirable for the reader or recruiter.
For instance, you can use it when writing an essay about your heritage.
It shows that you’re very proud of where you’re from, but you want to put the emphasis on the place rather than your verb choice.
Feel free to review the following examples as well:
I’m from Jersey. It will always be very dear to my heart, and I hope I can go back there someday.
I’m from the North. I’m so proud of my heritage, and I believe it’s helped turn me into who I am today.
3. Native To
You can also use something more unique by writing “native to.” It is an interesting take on “born and raised” that shows someone where you came from.
It’s a great formal synonym that shows you have a history in another part of the world.
We recommend using it when writing an essay. It shows someone where you’re from and what you believe in, which could help to craft the rest of your essay.
We also recommend checking out these examples if you still need help:
I’m native to the Lake District. While I no longer live there, it’s certainly somewhere I’d love to go back to someday.
I’m native to the West Coast. I have many fond memories of my time there, and I’d like to discuss them with you.
4. Hailing From
Feel free to try “hailing from” as a professional way to say “born and raised.”
This one is a little unique as well. You won’t often find people using it, but it can be a great way to help set your words apart from others.
Try using it when writing a cover letter. It allows you to explain where you’re from and what you think that will help you with in a company.
If you’re still unsure, check out these examples:
Hailing from Chicago, I feel I have a lot to give to a company like this. Being raised in the city taught me a lot about corporate America.
I hailed from Tenessee. I’m proud of my state, but I haven’t been back there for quite a few years now.
5. Nurtured In
Another great alternative to include is “nurtured in.” We recommend using this to show that you’re happy with your heritage.
It shows that you have fond memories of the places you came from.
Generally, this works well when writing a resume or letter. It shows you’ve picked up a lot of experience in your past, and you’d like to showcase it to those reading your letter.
Here are some great examples to help you understand more about it:
I was nurtured in France, but now I live in Hawaii. Of course, I still speak French, which is why I know I’ll be good for the translator role.
I was nurtured in Great Britain. Nearly all of my family comes from there, so I have a lot of values surrounding it.
6. Grew Up In
For something a little simpler, you can use “grew up in.” This is a highly effective phrase that shows where you came from.
Most readers prefer things like this. It’s simple yet clear. So, it’s an effective way to let people know where you’re from and what you’re bringing with you.
Try using it when applying for new jobs. It allows you to express something more personal about yourself, which could help you to relate more to the people reading your cover letter.
Also, you can review these examples:
I grew up in California. Of course, that means it has my heart, and I hope to travel back there soon.
I grew up in the local area. It’s the only place I’ve known, so I know this will be a good fit for me.
7. Rooted In
Feel free to use “rooted in” to show where you came from.” This could be a fun and exciting way to discuss your history.
It lets a recruiter know where you came from. So, we recommend including it in a cover letter.
Typically, this is a great way to show what you’ve learned through the years and try to relate your experiences with what’s to come at a new job.
Most of the time, people will ask you where you’re from. So, using a phrase like this as early as possible helps to stop those questions later.
If you’re still unsure, you can check out these examples:
Since I was rooted in this area, I know it like the back of my hand. Therefore, I’m certain I can make this role work.
I was rooted in New Orleans. It’s why I have such a fond love for jazz music, which you’ll notice from my resume.
8. Originating From
You may also use “originating from” to let people know where you came from.
It could help you to explain your experiences, especially if they relate to the job you apply for.
Generally, it’s good to be proud of your heritage. So, a phrase like this is a great way to let someone know what you’ve been through and why you’re happy about it.
We also recommend reviewing these examples:
Originating from Russia, I’ve learned a lot about staying tough and putting myself first. Therefore, I know I’ll be a good fit here.
I originate from Northern Ireland. It is a peaceful country, and I’m proud of the heritage I get to bring with me.
9. Shaped By
Finally, you can use “shaped by” instead of “born and raised.” It’s a great way to show how you bring your experiences with you.
If you’re “shaped by” something, it means you became who you are because of it.
So, it suggests that the area you grew up in paved the way for who you became. This could work well in resumes and CVs when explaining what you are and what you can do.
Here’s a great sample email to show you more about it:
I was shaped by my experience growing up on the farms. It has helped me to become the diligent worker I am today.
I was shaped by my time in Maine. I’m so proud of my heritage, and I hope I can take a piece of it with me wherever I go.