a question of honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of honor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where issues of integrity, reputation, or moral principles are being discussed. Example: "For him, standing up for his friend was not just a matter of loyalty; it was a question of honor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It was really a question of honor," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a question of honor, a question of history," said a newspaper seller, Anselmo Cazares, 58.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps, but not to conductors like Ms. Carlquist, who consider it almost a question of honor.

The New York Times

"Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor," tonight on A&E, does no honor to anyone.

The New York Times - Arts

Killing a woman is repugnant to Arabs unless a question of honor is involved, which was not the case.

The New York Times

Right away, I told him I could not give him the answers, as if it were a question of honor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It's not a question of honoring them," Mr. Feldman, a thin, ponytailed man with the bearing of a merry undertaker, said after the graveside service, news of which was published yesterday by AM New York.

The New York Times

If this ugly fight is not about religious freedom, as the center's opponents assert, if it is instead a question of honoring the dead and showing respect for the families of those murdered by Islamist fanatics on 9/11, how far from the World Trade Center site might Park51 be built to keep everyone reasonably satisfied?

The New York Times

At this point it was no longer a question of whether it was possible to find Keith's uncle; it now was a question of honoring the pledge to remember him.

HuffPost

Jean le Rond d'Alembert, the famous editor of the Encyclopédie, declared it a "question of national honor not to let the Earth have a foreign shape, a figure imagined by an Englishman or a Dutchman".

Los Angeles Times

The interest of the national debt of France being in fact but a two thousandth part of it's rent roll, the paiment of it is practicable enough: and so becomes a question merely of honor, or of expediency.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question of honor" when emphasizing that a decision or action is fundamentally tied to one's sense of integrity and moral principles.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of honor" when the situation primarily involves personal preference or practical considerations rather than core moral values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of honor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig highlights, it refers to a situation where integrity, reputation, or moral principles are central to the decision-making process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of honor" is a noun phrase used to underscore the moral or ethical significance of a situation, indicating that decisions are rooted in deeply held values. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in News & Media and Academia contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, using this phrase effectively adds weight and gravity to discussions where integrity is paramount. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation truly involves a moral imperative, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Consider alternatives like "a matter of principle" or "an ethical consideration" to tailor the nuance to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of principle

Focuses on the underlying moral code guiding a decision.

an ethical consideration

Highlights the moral implications of a situation.

a moral imperative

Stresses the compelling nature of a moral duty.

a point of integrity

Emphasizes the importance of honesty and strong moral principles.

a matter of ethics

Similar to 'ethical consideration' but more direct.

a decision of conscience

Highlights internal moral judgment as the deciding factor.

a test of character

Indicates a situation that reveals someone's true moral qualities.

a moral quandary

Focuses on the difficult and complex nature of a moral dilemma.

an issue of rectitude

Emphasizes moral correctness and uprightness.

a crisis of values

Highlights a conflict between different values.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of honor" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of honor" to emphasize that an action or decision is fundamentally tied to someone's sense of integrity and moral principles. For example, "Refusing to betray his comrades was "a question of honor" for the soldier".

What phrases are similar to "a question of honor"?

Alternatives to "a question of honor" include "a matter of principle", "an ethical consideration", or "a moral imperative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a question of honor"?

No, "a question of honor" is most appropriate when the situation involves a significant moral or ethical dilemma. It would be less suitable for trivial matters or situations primarily driven by personal preference.

What's the difference between "a question of honor" and "a matter of integrity"?

While both phrases relate to moral principles, "a question of honor" often implies a more personal and deeply felt commitment to those principles. "A matter of integrity" can be broader, encompassing honesty and ethical conduct in a more general sense.