a singular honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular honor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a unique or exceptional privilege or distinction that someone feels grateful for. Example: "Receiving the award was a singular honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She is a Fellow of the British Academy, a singular honor.

University of California, Berkeley

She was buried in the Belmont infield, a singular honor at that time in the track's history.

The New York Times - Books

ERBIL, Iraq — Erbil is preparing to greet visitors as the Arab Capital of Tourism in 2014, a singular honor for a non-Arab city.

The New York Times

The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship, bestowed each year since 1982, is a singular honor with firm communal purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

Stone and his family lived in France for a short while during the early 1950's, and Sartre paid him a visit, which was a singular honor.

The New York Times - Books

Being chosen first in the National Hockey League draft on Saturday was a singular honor for Aleksandr Ovechkin of Russia, but it also thrust him into a changing business climate filled with wrangling and uncertainty.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yet his vehemence against abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment arose from a singular purity: the sacred honor of all life.

The New York Times

The Beta Chapter of MIT's Chi Phi Fraternity recently received a very singular honor, one rarely associated with a college fraternity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He stated that it had been "a singular privilege, honor and delight" to serve in the administration over the previous five years, first as a special assistant to Attorney General William French Smith, and then for four years as a junior lawyer in the White House counsel's office.

The New York Times

Its Web site says it has “the singular honor to galvanize the Ummah into a unified body"–and it defines the Ummah as all Muslims of the world.

Forbes

Its Web site says it has “the singular honor to galvanize the Ummah into a unified body --and it defines the Ummah as all Muslims of the world.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular honor" to emphasize the exceptional and unique nature of a recognition or privilege. It's particularly effective when the honor sets the recipient apart in a significant way.

Common error

Avoid using "singular" when referring to multiple honors or achievements. "Singular" emphasizes uniqueness, so it's inappropriate for plural subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular honor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It identifies or describes a specific type of honor, emphasizing its uniqueness and distinction, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular honor" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes a unique and exceptional privilege or distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys gratitude and acknowledges special recognition. While "a singular honor" is most commonly found in news and academic contexts, it maintains a formal and professional register, making it suitable for elevated discourse. When aiming to express similar sentiments, consider alternatives such as "a distinct privilege" or "an exceptional honor" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A distinct privilege

Replaces "honor" with "privilege" to emphasize the advantage or benefit received.

A unique distinction

Substitutes "honor" with "distinction", focusing on the characteristic that sets something apart.

An exceptional honor

Replaces "singular" with "exceptional" to highlight the rarity and impressiveness of the honor.

A rare privilege

Emphasizes the infrequency and special nature of the privilege.

A special recognition

Focuses on the act of being acknowledged in a noteworthy way.

A mark of distinction

Highlights the honor as a symbol or indicator of excellence.

A signal honor

Similar to "singular," but emphasizes the honor as a noteworthy sign or indication.

A noteworthy tribute

Emphasizes the honor as an act of respect or gratitude.

A prestigious award

Highlights the high status and reputation associated with the honor.

A commendable achievement

Shifts focus to the accomplishment that merited the honor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a singular honor" to describe an exceptional privilege or recognition. For example: "Being selected as the keynote speaker was "a singular honor"."

What are some alternatives to "a singular honor"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a distinct privilege", "a unique distinction", or "an exceptional honor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a singular honor"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular honor is especially unique, rare, or noteworthy. It suggests that the honor is not just any recognition, but something truly special.

Is "a singular honor" more formal or informal?

The phrase "a singular honor" is generally considered to be fairly formal. It would be suitable for professional or academic writing, as well as speeches and formal events.