an absolute privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absolute privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is considered to be a complete or total advantage or benefit. Example: "Being able to travel the world and experience different cultures is an absolute privilege that I do not take for granted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Absolute bedlam here at St Mary's and an absolute privilege to witness Sadio Mane's two minute 56 second hat trick.

BBC

And second, it is not an absolute privilege.

The Economist

It's been an absolute privilege to work for such a caring guy".

Independent

The White House has argued that there is an absolute privilege.

The New York Times

But, for now, working at this level is an absolute privilege".

The Guardian - Sport

It is an absolute privilege, and I should never forget that.

The Guardian

No conduct has such an absolute privilege as to justify all possible schemes of which it may be a part.

Cornell University

Murray describes being part of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games support team as an "absolute privilege and honour".

The Guardian - Sport

Giles said: "It's been an absolute privilege to head one of the country's greatest current affairs brands.

The Guardian

Conroy said that working with Colvin had been an "absolute privilege" and described her as "a unique person".

The Guardian

According to studies of delinquent adolescents, they have trouble grasping that a "right" is an absolute privilege that they may exercise without penalty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an absolute privilege" to genuinely express gratitude or acknowledge a unique opportunity. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an absolute privilege" for minor benefits. Reserve it for situations that truly represent a significant honor or unique opportunity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolute privilege" functions as a subject complement or appositive modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a strong sense of honor, advantage, or special opportunity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absolute privilege" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to express gratitude, acknowledge unique opportunities, or emphasize the significance of a situation. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the magnitude of the situation to avoid overstatement and diminishing its impact. Consider synonyms such as "a distinct honor" or "a special opportunity" when a less intense expression is more appropriate. Remember, while widely accepted, reserve it to situations that truly represent a significant honor or unique opportunity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound privilege

Suggests a deeper sense of honor, advantage, or special opportunity.

a genuine privilege

Highlights the authenticity of the privilege.

a true honor

Highlights the genuineness of the honor experienced.

a great honor

Indicates a significant level of respect and esteem.

a remarkable privilege

Stresses the noteworthy nature of the privilege.

a distinct honor

Emphasizes the honor associated with the situation, rather than the privileged aspect.

a singular honor

Emphasizes the uniqueness and distinction of the honor.

a special opportunity

Focuses on the chance or possibility provided, rather than the privileged status.

an extraordinary opportunity

Highlights the exceptional nature of the chance.

a rare opportunity

Stresses the infrequency and uniqueness of the chance.

FAQs

How can I use "an absolute privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "an absolute privilege" to express gratitude or acknowledge a unique opportunity. For example, "It's "an absolute privilege" to work with such a dedicated team."

What can I say instead of "an absolute privilege"?

Alternatives include "a distinct honor", "a great honor", or "a special opportunity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a absolute privilege" instead of "an absolute privilege"?

No, the correct phrasing is "an absolute privilege". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an absolute privilege" and "an honor"?

"An absolute privilege" suggests a greater degree of honor and unique opportunity compared to simply "an honor". The former emphasizes the significance and special nature of the opportunity.