a badge of pride

USAGE SUMMARY

"a badge of pride" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to something that brings a sense of honor or accomplishment to the person who has it. For example, you could say: She wore her college degree as a badge of pride, showing off the hard work she had put into achieving her degree.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Umami is a badge of pride, once Japanese, now universal.

The New Yorker

"It is a badge of pride for our country.

Independent

Bruises, known as "derby kisses," are a badge of pride.

The New York Times

For her, it is a badge of pride.

The Guardian

They wear it as a badge of pride.

The New York Times - Travel

I shall wear that as a badge of pride.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If these productions are crude, it's a badge of pride.

The New Yorker

Made in Britain is once again a badge of pride.

The Guardian - Business

In response, they appropriated the insult as a badge of pride, calling themselves the "Yid Army".

The Economist

"Being seen as an equal parent is now a badge of pride for men," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What once was--and still should be--a badge of pride is now a label to run from.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a badge of pride" to emphasize a positive attribute or achievement that brings a sense of honor and accomplishment. For example, "Her volunteer work was a badge of pride."

Common error

Avoid using "a badge of pride" in situations where the achievement is questionable or negative. It's meant to highlight something positive and commendable, not something shameful or regrettable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a badge of pride" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It describes something that is considered a source of honor or accomplishment. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a badge of pride" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that brings a sense of honor and accomplishment. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, use it to emphasize positive attributes or achievements, avoiding negative or questionable situations. Alternatives include "a source of honor" or "something to be proud of". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something to be proud of

A more direct and less idiomatic way of expressing the same sentiment.

a source of honor

Focuses on the honor derived from something, rather than the pride.

a mark of accomplishment

Emphasizes the achievement aspect, rather than the feeling of pride.

a sign of excellence

Emphasizes the superior quality or standard achieved.

an emblem of success

Focuses on the successful outcome that leads to pride.

a symbol of distinction

Highlights the quality of being special or different in a positive way.

a token of prestige

Highlights the status and respect associated with something.

a testament to dedication

Highlights the hard work and commitment behind something.

a point of boasting

Suggests something someone might brag about, shifting the focus to outward expression.

a matter of self-respect

Connects the concept to personal dignity and regard.

FAQs

How can I use "a badge of pride" in a sentence?

Use "a badge of pride" to describe something that someone is very proud of, often because it represents an achievement or a positive quality. For example, "Winning the championship was "a badge of pride" for the entire team."

What are some alternatives to saying "a badge of pride"?

You can use alternatives like "a source of honor", "a symbol of distinction", or "something to be proud of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a badge of pride" in formal writing?

Yes, "a badge of pride" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a common and well-understood phrase that adds emphasis to the feeling of pride associated with something.

Can "a badge of pride" be used ironically?

While primarily used positively, "a badge of pride" can be used ironically if the context clearly indicates that the supposed achievement is actually something negative or undesirable. However, this should be done carefully to avoid misinterpretation.