a real honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real honor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express genuine appreciation or respect for being given a privilege or recognition. Example: "Receiving this award is a real honor, and I am grateful for the recognition of my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a real honor, Mr. Conn".

The New Yorker

"This is a real honor for me".

The New York Times

"It is a real honor.

Harvard University

"It's a real honor to be here".

The New York Times

If kids look up to me, it's a real honor".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a real honor to do this job," Mr. Condon said in an interview on Wednesday.

The New York Times

"It might be old-fashioned, but most of us consider it a real honor".

The New York Times - Sports

It was a real honor to get to represent this set of amici in the case.

Stanford University

"It's my honor," he said, "a real honor — to endorse Mitt Romney".

The New Yorker

"I always thought as a player it was a real honor to go to the game," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

He added, "It's a real honor to do this piece at this time in the history of our country.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real honor" to express sincere gratitude or respect when acknowledging an achievement, invitation, or recognition. Tailor your follow-up remarks to reflect the specific context and your genuine feelings.

Common error

While "a real honor" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it excessively, as it can lose its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "a true privilege" or "a great distinction" to maintain a sense of authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real honor" serves as an expressive compliment, denoting genuine appreciation or respect. Ludwig's examples illustrate its common usage in acknowledging achievements, invitations, or opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a real honor" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey genuine appreciation and respect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's advisable to use synonyms like "a true privilege" or "a great distinction" to avoid overuse. When using "a real honor", ensure your subsequent remarks are tailored to the specific situation to maximize impact and demonstrate sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a true privilege

Emphasizes the special opportunity or benefit received, shifting focus from honor to advantage.

a genuine honor

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the honor, adding a layer of emotional depth.

a distinct honor

Underscores the unique and noteworthy nature of the honor, making it stand out from others.

a great honor

Simple synonym that amplifies the significance of the honor.

a profound honor

Conveys a deep sense of respect and significance associated with the honor.

an immense honor

Stresses the large scale or degree of respect felt.

a singular honor

Highlights the unique and exceptional nature of the honor.

a high distinction

Focuses on the prestige and status conferred by the honor.

a cherished privilege

Indicates that the opportunity is highly valued and appreciated.

a valuable opportunity

Shifts the emphasis from honor to the worth and benefit of the chance given.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real honor" to express gratitude or respect. For instance, "It's "a real honor" to be here today" or "Receiving this award is "a real honor"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a real honor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a true privilege", "a genuine honor", or "a great distinction".

Is it correct to say "a real honor"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its validity with numerous examples from reliable sources.

How formal is the phrase "a real honor"?

The phrase "a real honor" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might opt for alternatives like "a distinct honor" to convey a greater sense of respect.