a distinguished honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinguished honor" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a highly esteemed recognition or award that is given to someone for their achievements or service. Here is an example of how it could be used in a sentence: Receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature was a distinguished honor that few writers ever achieve in their lifetime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

One Booker Prize is a distinguished honor for a fiction writer, and to win two is extremely rare.

The New York Times

He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point as a distinguished honor graduate, and received a law degree from the University of Washington.

The New York Times

Merriam was very highly regarded on the Berkeley campus, and was invited to deliver the second Berkeley Faculty Research Lecture in 1914, quite a distinguished honor, on the "Paleontology and Historical Geology, Extinct Faunas of the Mojave Desert: Their Significance in a Study of the Origin and Evolution of Life in America" (Merriam 1915a).

University of California, Berkeley

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif). announced she is nominating Christine Blasey Ford ― the woman who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, for a distinguished honor usually reserved for public officials.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A University Professor appointment is a rare and distinguished honor among our faculty.

Columbia University

Add A-minus arm strength and accuracy to B-plus mobility and mechanics, package them with A-plus decision making and work habits, and you get a prospect worthy of the distinguished honor roll.

The New York Times

He is currently director of the Georgia Legislative Internship Program and a former distinguished honors professor.

Huffington Post

Roux, 63, a Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, France's most distinguished honor, says he lives by his creed "doing well by doing good".

Forbes

When he was awarded the grand prize for painting at the 1964 Venice Biennale in Italy -- only the third American to receive the distinguished honor, after James Whistler and Mark Tobey -- the surprise selection ignited a firestorm of controversy in Europe but secured his international reputation.

Los Angeles Times

What kind of science, people wondered, bestows its most distinguished honor on scholars with opposing ideas?

The New York Times

By record, the distinguished honor of Worst In The League belongs to the Philadelphia 76ers, who have just seven wins.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with action verbs such as 'receive', 'bestow', or 'earn' to make your writing more engaging and active.

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives with "honor". While "distinguished" enhances the noun, stacking multiple adjectives can dilute the phrase's impact. Opt for a single, powerful adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinguished honor" functions as a noun phrase, with "distinguished" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "honor". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it identifies a specific type of recognition, one that is considered highly esteemed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinguished honor" is a noun phrase used to describe a highly esteemed award or recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, denoting a sense of prestige and high achievement. When using this phrase, remember to consider the criteria for the honor's distinction, and avoid redundant adjectives. Alternatives like "a great privilege" or "a singular honor" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an esteemed honor

Focuses on the respect and admiration associated with the honor.

a singular honor

Highlights the uniqueness and rarity of the honor.

a high distinction

Stresses the elevated level of achievement.

a signal honor

Suggests the honor is a notable sign of achievement.

a marked honor

Indicates that the honor is conspicuous and easily noticed.

a great privilege

Emphasizes the advantageous nature of the recognition, rather than its prestige.

a supreme accolade

Indicates the honor is a top-tier form of praise or award.

a prestigious award

Focuses on the award aspect, implying high status.

a notable distinction

Emphasizes the characteristic of being noteworthy and setting apart.

a special recognition

Highlights the act of acknowledging someone's merit.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinguished honor" in a sentence?

You can use "a distinguished honor" to describe an award or recognition. For instance, "Receiving the Nobel Prize was "a distinguished honor" for her lifetime achievements." Another example is, "He accepted the award, calling it "a distinguished honor"".

What are some alternatives to "a distinguished honor"?

Alternatives to "a distinguished honor" include "a great privilege", "a singular honor", or "a prestigious award". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a very distinguished honor"?

While grammatically correct, "a very distinguished honor" can sound redundant. The word "distinguished" already implies a high level of esteem. Consider using alternatives to "a very distinguished honor" for a more concise wording, for example alternatives like "a supreme accolade".

What makes an honor "distinguished"?

An honor is considered "distinguished" when it is highly regarded and conferred for exceptional achievements, service, or contributions in a particular field. Its significance is often recognized by peers, institutions, or the broader community.