a special mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special mention" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to highlight or acknowledge someone or something that deserves recognition, often in a formal or celebratory context. Example: "During the awards ceremony, the committee gave a special mention to the volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Film

TV & Radio

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slogans, we felt, deserved a special mention.

The Guardian - Film

Wasfi Hijab deserves a special mention.

The Guardian - Books

The one I actually bought, though, deserves a special mention.

The New York Times

Thus Zwigoff too was awarded a special mention.

The Guardian - Film

Wendell Pierce also deserves a special mention for his subtle, versatile performances as Antoine.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You have to make a special mention of the supporters," the Villa manager said.

The Guardian - Sport

One of its brochures says that Rosoboronexport deserved a "special mention".

The Guardian

The entire cast of Pavel Lungin's "Wedding" won a special mention for acting.

The New York Times - Arts

But if there were, Pegg's approach would deserve a special mention.

The Guardian - Opinion

A special mention for Isla, the name given to one of the Queen's great-grandchildren.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A special mention in this bracket would have to be Outkast's Andre 3000.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a special mention", clearly state the reason why the person or thing is being mentioned. Provide specific details to add weight to the recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "a special mention" without providing context or specific reasons for the commendation. Vague praise can sound insincere. Make sure to highlight concrete achievements or qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special mention" functions as a noun phrase, often used to introduce or highlight an individual, group, or achievement worthy of particular recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sport

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Film

5%

TV & Radio

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special mention" is a commonly used phrase to highlight or acknowledge individuals, groups, or accomplishments worthy of recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, from News & Media to Sport and Science. When using the phrase, it's best to provide specific details to support the mention and avoid vague praise. For alternative phrasing, consider using "special recognition" or "particular acknowledgment" to provide a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

special recognition

A direct synonym, replacing mention with recognition, focusing on the act of being recognized.

special acknowledgement

Another close synonym, slightly more formal than the original.

honorary mention

Indicates that the mention is an honor or privilege.

particular acknowledgment

Replaces "special mention" with a more formal term, focusing on the act of recognizing something.

remarkable acknowledgement

Focuses on the acknowledgement being particularly noteworthy or exceptional.

noteworthy recognition

Emphasizes the significance of the recognition, highlighting that it's worth noting.

significant citation

Implies a formal quoting or referencing with importance.

featured mention

Highlights that something is being showcased or given prominent attention.

distinctive commendation

Suggests a formal and elevated form of praise or approval.

key highlight

Shifts the focus to something being a major point of emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "a special mention" in a sentence?

Use "a special mention" to highlight someone or something deserving recognition. For example, "The team deserves "a special mention" for their dedication to the project."

What's a good alternative to "a special mention"?

Alternatives include "special recognition", "particular acknowledgment", or "noteworthy recognition", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "special mention" or "a special mention"?

"A special mention" is generally preferred as it follows standard grammatical structure for introducing a singular noun phrase. Saying just "special mention" might sound slightly incomplete in some contexts.

When is it appropriate to give "a special mention"?

It's appropriate to give "a special mention" when you want to formally acknowledge someone's contributions, achievements, or unique qualities, especially in a public setting like an awards ceremony or a report.