are honourable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are honourable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or actions that are characterized by integrity, fairness, or high moral principles. Example: "The judges in this competition are honourable and will ensure a fair evaluation of all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"They are honourable people.

Independent

There are honourable exceptions.

The Guardian - Film

The aims of Synthetic Genomics are honourable.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have no doubt May's intentions on slavery are honourable.

The Guardian

Certainly, there are examples of street protest that are honourable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The northern Starks are honourable until the end, while the southern Lannisters are cunning and spiteful.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

'Making shoes, that's honourable.

The Guardian - Film

He hasn't been honourable for years".

Independent

Gavyn Davies had been honourable and left.

The Guardian

Do you think that's honourable?

The Guardian

Although this sentiment is honourable, its details are dubious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group, ensure you have sufficient evidence or justification before stating they "are honourable". It's a strong assertion that requires substantiation.

Common error

Avoid using "are honourable" in situations where a simpler, less formal adjective like "good" or "decent" would suffice. Overusing it can sound insincere or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are honourable" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the qualities or characteristics of a subject. It signifies that the individuals or entities being described possess high moral principles and integrity, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Opinion

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are honourable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey respect and admiration. According to Ludwig, it functions as a predicate adjective, emphasizing the high moral character of the subject. While commonly found in news and media, it also appears in opinion pieces and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and isn't overused, as simpler alternatives may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are respectable

Replaces "honourable" with "respectable", focusing on the quality of deserving admiration.

are of high integrity

Directly states the possession of strong moral principles and honesty.

are worthy of respect

Rephrases the idea to emphasize deserving respect, rather than possessing inherent honor.

are ethical

Focuses specifically on adherence to moral principles and professional standards.

are virtuous

Highlights moral excellence and righteousness as the defining characteristic.

are morally sound

Highlights the ethical correctness and lack of corruption or deceit.

are principled

Emphasizes adherence to a strong set of beliefs and values.

are upstanding

Indicates a reputation for honesty and integrity within a community.

are decent

A more general term implying kindness and respectability.

command respect

Shifts the focus to the action of earning respect, rather than the inherent quality.

FAQs

How can I use "are honourable" in a sentence?

You can use "are honourable" to describe people, intentions, or actions that possess moral integrity and deserve respect. For example, "The members of the council are honourable and dedicated to serving the community."

What are some alternatives to saying "are honourable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "are respectable", "are ethical", or "are principled".

Is it better to say "are honourable" or "are honorable"?

"Are honourable" and "are honorable" are both correct, but the former is more common in British English, while the latter is preferred in American English. Choose the spelling that aligns with your intended audience.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are honourable"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "are honourable" when you want to emphasize the high moral character and integrity of the subject. It implies a deep sense of respect and ethical behavior.