a question of pride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of pride" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues or situations that involve personal or collective pride, often implying that pride influences decisions or actions. Example: "For the team, winning the championship was not just about the trophy; it was a question of pride."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's a question of pride, and of civilizations".

The New York Times

It's not just a question of pride and reputation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a question of pride and of self-definition.

The Guardian - Arts

"There can also be a question of pride or worries about stigma," she says.

The Guardian

When you are in the wrong, it's no longer a question of pride, you have to admit it," Martinez said.

The Guardian

"It's a question of pride here," said Walter Loeb, editor of The Loeb Retail Letter, an industry publication.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Chinese government had an opportunity to 'pivot' after The Hague ruling, but it chose not to, for it is a question of national pride, even if that pride is based on a doubtful historical record.

Huffington Post

In France, the show's hit status is a question of national pride.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It is a lack of regard for its own people and a question of national pride," he said.

The Guardian

But this is not a question of national pride or partisan posturing; it is long past time for Washington to respect the rule of law.

The New York Times

An ominous booing arose, but he kept his cool, skillfully turning the issue of impolite concert behavior into a question of family pride.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question of pride" to emphasize that pride is a significant factor influencing a decision, action, or situation. For instance, "Refusing to accept help became a question of pride for him."

Common error

Avoid using "a question of pride" when the situation involves excessive self-importance or a sense of superiority. Pride, in this context, should be about maintaining dignity or self-respect, not displaying arrogance. For instance, saying "His refusal to compromise was merely a question of pride" might be better phrased as "His refusal to compromise stemmed from arrogance" if his behavior is overly boastful or disrespectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of pride" functions as a noun phrase that identifies pride as a significant factor in a given situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it is often used to describe issues involving personal or collective pride, influencing decisions or actions. Examples from Ludwig show this phrase used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of pride" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that highlights the role of pride in various situations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes that decisions or actions are influenced by personal or collective pride. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and can be used to frame actions as driven by self-worth, dignity, or reputation. While often used neutrally, it's essential to differentiate pride from arrogance to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "a matter of pride" or "an issue of pride" offer subtle variations in emphasis, making it a versatile tool for expressing complex motivations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of pride

Changes the structure while retaining the core meaning of something being important for one's self-respect.

an issue of pride

Replaces "question" with "issue", focusing on the problem or point of contention related to pride.

a point of honor

Substitutes "pride" with "honor", emphasizing the ethical or moral aspect of the matter.

a matter of self-respect

Replaces "pride" with "self-respect", highlighting the personal value involved.

a matter of dignity

Substitutes "pride" with "dignity", stressing the importance of maintaining one's sense of worth.

an ego issue

Introduces the concept of ego, suggesting the situation is driven by personal vanity.

a self-esteem concern

Focuses on the psychological aspect of self-esteem as the driving factor.

a vanity problem

Emphasizes the superficial aspect of pride, suggesting excessive concern with appearance or achievement.

a prestige consideration

Highlights the importance of social standing or reputation in the situation.

a face-saving exercise

Indicates an attempt to avoid humiliation or maintain a positive image.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a question of pride"?

The phrase "a question of pride" is suitable when discussing situations where someone's sense of self-worth, dignity, or reputation is at stake and influences their actions. It suggests that pride is a key factor in their decision-making process.

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

The phrases "a question of pride" and ""a matter of pride"" are very similar and often interchangeable. "A question of pride" suggests that pride is one of the factors to be considered in a certain situation, while ""a matter of pride"" emphasizes that pride is the central element.

Can "a question of pride" have negative connotations?

Yes, "a question of pride" can sometimes carry negative connotations, especially if it implies that someone is acting out of stubbornness or vanity rather than genuine self-respect. It depends on the context and the specific situation being described.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "a question of pride"?

You could use phrases like "a point of honor", "a matter of self-respect", or "an ego issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these alternatives subtly shifts the focus and implications of the statement.