a distinguished person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinguished person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is respected and admired for their achievements or qualities. Example: "The award was presented to a distinguished person who has made significant contributions to the field of science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I had become a distinguished person.

The New York Times

He is a man of class and he is a distinguished person.

The New York Times - Sports

The killing of such a distinguished person was usually a warrant for swift revenge, but the Egyptians were able to overcome the next Mongol force sent against them as well.

The New Yorker

I was thrilled to imagine such a distinguished person in my modest student home.

Los Angeles Times

At formal dinners, if the person being toasted is a VIP such as a foreign dignitary or a distinguished person, all guests should rise.

Huffington Post

He wrote that the Yugoslavs "considered me, rightly or wrongly, a distinguished person in the U.S., and they were pleased that someone whose name they had heard before was being sent to Belgrade".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Lord Arthur allegedly got off because his solicitor told the police that, were he prosecuted, "a very distinguished person" with the initials PAV would also be implicated.

The Guardian - Film

"This is a very distinguished person, well able to conduct this inquiry with the very highest standards of integrity".

BBC

Rossini has a good claim to be both the most famous and the most distinguished person to have a leap-year birthday – though the fine African-American soprano Reri Grist, one of the best Susannas and Oscars on disc, is another – she is 80 (or 20) today.

The Guardian - Music

Dedicated in 2015, the 7½ -foot bronze statue was part of an effort to raise awareness of the abolitionist — whom Mr. Berlin described as "probably the most distinguished person ever born in Maryland" — in a campus located on part of what was once a slave plantation.

The Washington Post

No other distinguished person has come here that has excited so peculiar an interest".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, using "a distinguished person" can add weight and credibility to your subject. It is particularly effective when introducing someone with significant achievements or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinguished person" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "respected" or "notable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinguished person" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a descriptor or appositive to identify an individual who is worthy of respect and admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting examples where it effectively conveys recognition of someone's notable qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinguished person" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to describe someone who is respected and admired for their achievements and qualities. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources shows that it is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally considered neutral to formal, it is advisable to avoid using it in casual conversation where it might sound pretentious. Alternatives such as "an esteemed individual" or "a notable figure" can be used to similar effect depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a person of distinction

Is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "a distinguished person".

an esteemed individual

Emphasizes the high regard and respect held for the person.

a notable person

Highlights the person's fame and recognition.

a person of repute

Focuses on the person's good reputation and integrity.

a prominent figure

Focuses on the person's importance and influence.

an accomplished individual

Highlights the person's achievements and skills.

a respectable person

Emphasizes the person's good reputation and moral standing.

a well-known figure

Highlights the person's widespread recognition.

a celebrated personality

Highlights the person's fame and popularity.

a leading light

Suggests the person is an inspiration and guide to others.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone "a distinguished person"?

Calling someone "a distinguished person" means that they are respected and admired for their achievements, qualities, or contributions in a particular field or in society.

What are some alternatives to saying "a distinguished person"?

You can use alternatives like "an esteemed individual", "a notable figure", or "a prominent person" depending on the context.

How do I use "a distinguished person" in a sentence?

You can use "a distinguished person" to describe someone you admire or respect, such as, "The university awarded an honorary degree to a distinguished person in the field of medicine."

Is it appropriate to use "a distinguished person" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, using "a distinguished person" in casual conversation might sound overly formal. In such settings, consider using more casual synonyms like "respected" or "well-known".