a true honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression 'a true honor' is correct and perfectly suitable for use in written English.
You can use this expression to express gratitude for an achievement or recognition of someone's hard work. For example, "Receiving the Medal of Honor was a true honor and I am grateful to have been chosen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"That becomes a true honor".

The New York Times

To be entrusted with that is a true honor".

The New Yorker

To be a friend of Bill Modell was a true honor and joy.

The New York Times

"It was a true honor to be part of that," Mr. Collins said.

The New York Times

"It has been a true honor working for the men and women of the U.S. military".

The New York Times

"Unions," he said, "are part of the fabric of this city, and for them to acknowledge the sacrifices of wounded warriors, it's tremendously gratifying and a true honor".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

You are right, I and many others are very viscerally uncomfortable with glamorizing and romanticizing combat, and I'm afraid I see it more as propagandizing to promote a horror than as a true honoring of people's sacrifices and risk-taking during war.

The New York Times

In the House of Commons, Edmund Burke expressed the hope that the government would not put Arnold "at the head of a part of a British army" lest "the sentiments of true honor, which every British officer [holds] dearer than life, should be afflicted".

Wikipedia

He put an end to such barbaric practices and taught that true honor comes from honoring women as equal human beings.

Huffington Post

Likewise, Prophet Muhammad banned the barbaric practice of burying infant girls alive, and taught that true honor comes to parents who raise and educate a girl to the best of their abilities.

Huffington Post

The true honor and dignity of service does not come from a piece of paper, a pension or paycheck, a rank or status; only an unflinching commitment to improve the lives of others can determine the nature of one's service.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a true honor" when expressing sincere appreciation or gratitude for an opportunity, recognition, or achievement. Ensure the context aligns with genuine respect and admiration.

Common error

Avoid using "a true honor" in situations that are not genuinely significant or meaningful. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your expression seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true honor" primarily functions as a noun phrase complement, expressing sincere gratitude or acknowledging the significance of an event, opportunity, or recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitable usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Huffington Post

25%

Los Angeles Times

5%

Less common in

TechCrunch

3%

Wiki

1%

The New York Times - Sports

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true honor" is a phrase used to express sincere gratitude and acknowledge the significance of an event or recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media sources. While versatile, it is best reserved for genuinely meaningful situations to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like ""a genuine privilege"" or ""a sincere distinction"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase has a neutral to formal register and thus is appropriate for professional and respectful communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine privilege

Replaces "honor" with "privilege", indicating a special right or advantage.

a great privilege

Similar to "a genuine privilege" but emphasizes the magnitude of the privilege.

an immense honor

Focuses on the size or scope of the honor.

a profound honor

Highlights the depth and significance of the honor.

a distinct honor

Emphasizes the uniqueness and specialness of the honor.

a sincere distinction

Focuses on the recognition and specialness of the honor.

a singular honor

Emphasizes the uniqueness and unparalleled nature of the honor.

a remarkable distinction

Highlights the noteworthiness of the distinction.

a real pleasure

Shifts the focus to the enjoyment and gratification derived from the experience.

an unforgettable experience

Shifts the focus from the honor itself to the memorable nature of the event or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a true honor" to express gratitude or acknowledge the significance of something. For example, "It was a true honor to receive the award" or "Serving on this committee is a true honor".

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

Alternatives include "a genuine privilege", "a sincere distinction", or "a real pleasure", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "a true honor"?

Yes, using "a true honor" might be inappropriate in very casual or trivial situations. It's best reserved for moments that genuinely warrant a high level of respect or gratitude.

What's the difference between "a true honor" and "an honor"?

"A true honor" emphasizes the sincerity and depth of the honor, suggesting it is particularly meaningful. "An honor" is a more general term and does not necessarily convey the same level of emotional intensity.