Kudos

USAGE SUMMARY

"kudos" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use "kudos" to refer to an expression of approval, respect, or admiration for someone's achievements or actions. Example sentence: I want to give a special shout-out to Jack for his hard work this week – kudos to him for all his dedication!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was only a few years later that I first met him and can make the claim to the second-hand kudos of having known him for rather longer and perhaps slightly better than most sports writers.

The Guardian - Sport

He wasn't looking for kudos and insisted on a similar attitude from everyone involved, no matter how stellar.

The Guardian - Film

Given the kudos he gets when politically controversial conviction rates go up, you would think that the director of public prosecutions, Keir Starmer, would be delighted that fewer cases were being referred to his team, possibly suggesting that they are the cases police consider most likely to succeed.

The Guardian

(Ironically, as Dunbar pointed out, it was Facebook that first gave him this uninvited kudos).

The Guardian - Tech

The minister for finance, Brian Lenihan, seized an opportunity to win back some kudos from a public outraged over the behaviour of the country's banks.

The Guardian

We are in a particularly strong position here given that our decisions could have the effect of redirecting a significant number of students, income, and kudos away from [this event] and towards other kinds of experiences and discussions.

The Guardian - Opinion

They come to the Donmar for kudos or to reinvent their careers.

The Guardian - Film

Despite their perilous state, the two Express titles still have some kudos as a brand, so I imagine someone would buy them – but, doubtless, not at the kind of price Desmond would wish.

The Guardian

"This one's for everyone in this tent, no-one outside it," he says as introduction to There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, his cultish kudos re-established even while playing a song as ubiquitous as naked Gaga flesh.

The Guardian - Music

Clever move, Dot, although I'm still not sure what side he's really playing for (kudos to the commenter who suggested he's trying to slide into Hastings' shoes, though – that may well be correct).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For too long in the black community, we have given exaggerated kudos to those of us who are seen as 'special' - the rappers, sprinters, footballers, boxers, actors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "kudos". While generally acceptable, more formal settings may benefit from synonyms like "accolades" or "recognition".

Common error

While "kudos" looks plural, it's generally treated as a singular noun. Avoid saying "a kudos" or using it with plural verbs. Stick to phrases like "give kudos to" or "receive kudos".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kudos" is as a noun, typically used to denote praise, honor, or acclaim. As evidenced by Ludwig, it frequently appears as the object of a verb or preposition, such as "give kudos to" or "receive kudos for".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kudos" is a versatile and widely used noun expressing praise, honor, or acclaim. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and media. While the term looks plural, it is treated as a singular noun in most contemporary usage. When aiming to convey recognition in more formal scenarios, consider alternatives like "accolades" or "commendation". Remember to avoid using "a kudos" or pairing it with plural verbs to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accolades

Formal synonym for "kudos", often used to denote official praise or awards.

praise

A more general term for expressing approval or admiration.

recognition

Highlights acknowledgment of achievement rather than explicit praise.

credit

Implies acknowledging someone's contribution to a success.

applause

Suggests public approval or enthusiastic appreciation.

commendation

Formal expression of praise, often used in official contexts.

respect

Emphasizes admiration for someone's qualities or achievements.

admiration

Highlights a feeling of high regard and approval.

plaudits

Similar to "accolades" but potentially implying more public recognition.

homage

Formal public acknowledgement of someone's merit or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "kudos" in a sentence?

You can use "kudos" to express praise or admiration. For example, "kudos to the team for their outstanding performance" or "The company deserves kudos for its innovative approach".

What's the difference between "kudos" and "accolades"?

"Kudos" is a more informal term for praise or recognition, while "accolades" often refers to formal awards or official praise. Use "accolades" in more formal or official contexts.

What are some alternatives to saying "kudos"?

Alternatives include "praise", "recognition", "credit", or "commendation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kudos" a singular or plural noun?

Although it appears plural, "kudos" is generally treated as a singular noun in modern usage. Avoid using it with plural verbs or indefinite articles like "a" or "an".