an august institution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an august institution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an organization or establishment that is respected and admired, often due to its long history or significant contributions. Example: "Harvard University is considered an august institution in the field of higher education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Is it thrilling to lend to such an august institution?

The Guardian - Arts

It never crossed my mind that such an august institution would be interested, it really didn't.

The Guardian

I wanted to find out how the context of such an august institution affected the audience's reaction to my art.

The Guardian - Arts

Is it possible that an august institution like this, in a part of town notoriously hostile to change, has produced a work of architecture?

The New York Times - Arts

"I think when one is living in the shadow of such an august institution, you would be foolish not to draw on it".

The New York Times

The DH Lawrence Society is an august institution based in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, the former coalmining town where Lawrence was born in 1885.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

THINK of the Society of Illustrators and the image likely to spring to mind is that of a quaint, august institution whose heyday coincided with that of The Saturday Evening Post.

The New York Times - Arts

(It's likely that someone who studies math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology would make more than somebody who studies math at a less august institution).

Vice

There's plenty to look at and think about, as well as little landmarks, like the phrase "Queer Studies" as a section title, surely a first for this august institution.

The New York Times - Arts

A senior academic figure of that august institution, during a tutorial, took me to one side and informed me that "music really stopped at Brahms".

The Guardian - Music

Officials at the Met were unamused by the depiction of the theft of a painting from their august institution, he said, so they refused to allow the cameras inside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an august institution", ensure the context aligns with the phrase's formal tone. It's best suited for discussing organizations with a long-standing history and a reputable standing.

Common error

Avoid using "an august institution" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound out of place if not used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an august institution" functions as a noun phrase, with "august" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "institution". This phrase typically serves to identify and characterize a specific organization or entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an august institution" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a highly respected and long-standing organization. As Ludwig AI explains, it's most appropriate for formal contexts and is frequently found in news and media sources. While synonyms like ""a venerable organization"" or "a distinguished establishment" can be used, it's important to consider the context and intended tone. Avoid using this phrase in informal settings to maintain the appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a venerable organization

Replaces "institution" with "organization" and "august" with "venerable", emphasizing age and respect.

a distinguished establishment

Uses "establishment" instead of "institution" and "distinguished" in place of "august", highlighting its high reputation.

a respected organization

Replaces "august" with "respected", simplifying the phrase while retaining the core meaning of high regard.

a prestigious body

Substitutes "institution" with "body" and "august" with "prestigious", focusing on the group's high status and influence.

an esteemed association

Uses "association" instead of "institution" and "esteemed" in place of "august", emphasizing the value and high opinion held.

a celebrated society

Replaces "institution" with "society" and "august" with "celebrated", suggesting widespread recognition and admiration.

a time-honored institution

Uses "time-honored" instead of "august", highlighting the institution's long history and tradition.

a grand organization

Replaces "august" with "grand", focusing on the institution's impressive scale and importance.

a stately establishment

Substitutes "institution" with "establishment" and "august" with "stately", implying dignity and impressiveness.

a historic organization

Replaces "institution" with "organization" and "august" with "historic", emphasizing its long-standing presence and significance.

FAQs

How can I use "an august institution" in a sentence?

You can use "an august institution" to describe a highly respected and long-standing organization. For example, "The Royal Society is "a venerable organization" known for its contributions to science".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "an august institution"?

Alternatives include ""a venerable organization"", "a distinguished establishment", or "a prestigious body", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "an august institution" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an august institution" is more suited for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler and more direct phrases.

What makes an institution "august"?

An institution is considered "august" due to its long history, significant contributions, and the high respect it commands. It suggests a sense of tradition, dignity, and importance.