are illustrious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are illustrious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is well-known, respected, and admired for past achievements or qualities. Example: "The scientists who contributed to the discovery are illustrious figures in the field of research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There are illustrious walk-ons — the Sing Sing warden Lewis Lawes, the mobsters Dutch Schultz and Joey Gallo.

The New York Times - Books

These are illustrious times for the pianist and writer Jeremy Denk.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This attitude is illustrious".

The Guardian - Business

He wanted to be "illustrious and unknown," he said.

The New Yorker

As he put it in "The Statues in the Public Gardens," "Children, to be illustrious is sad".

The New York Times - Books

These two young tyros are at the beginnings of what could and should be illustrious careers.

The Guardian - Sport

Monday's cast was illustrious, with Diana Vishneva as Tatiana, Marcelo Gomes as Onegin, and Natalia Osipova as Olga, Tatiana's sister.

The New York Times - Arts

Crumbling, damp, riddled with asbestos and rodents, it is as chaotic and inefficient within as it is illustrious without.

The Times

If the film carefully sidesteps the highly subjective question of which format is better, the roll call of interviewees is illustrious.

Independent

The roll call of the swindled is illustrious: Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, author and humanitarian Elie Wiesel, New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, and the New York Daily News' publisher, Mortimer Zuckerman.

The Guardian - Opinion

His political career had been illustrious, including serving as prime minister during the first world war, but a major scandal broke over his resignation honours list.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are illustrious" to describe individuals, groups, or achievements that have earned significant respect and admiration over time. It implies a history of notable accomplishments.

Common error

Avoid using "are illustrious" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is best suited for formal settings or when describing historical figures or significant achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are illustrious" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's quality of being highly respected and admired. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are illustrious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe subjects worthy of high respect and admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, primarily within formal contexts such as news, academia, and science. Usage tips include reserving it for deserving subjects with historical significance, while refraining from overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "are renowned" and "are celebrated" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. Remember, it is important to consider the audience and context when choosing between ""are illustrious"" and other synonymous phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are renowned

Replaces "illustrious" with a synonym emphasizing widespread fame and respect.

are celebrated

Suggests the subjects are publicly honored and admired.

are distinguished

Focuses on the subjects' exceptional qualities and recognition.

are eminent

Highlights the subjects' high rank or reputation.

are notable

Indicates the subjects are worthy of attention and recognition.

are famous

Emphasizes widespread recognition and popularity.

are well-known

Suggests the subjects are widely recognized.

are respected

Focuses on the high regard held for the subjects.

are acclaimed

Highlights the subjects' widespread praise and approval.

are preeminent

Indicates the subjects are superior to others in their field.

FAQs

How do I use "are illustrious" in a sentence?

Use "are illustrious" to describe people, things, or events that are highly respected and admired for their achievements or qualities. For example, "The scientists who made this discovery "are illustrious" figures in their field".

What are some alternatives to "are illustrious"?

You can use alternatives such as "are renowned", "are celebrated", or "are distinguished" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are illustrious" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "are illustrious" is more suitable for formal writing or speech. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "are famous" or "are well-known".

What's the difference between "are illustrious" and "are famous"?

"Are famous" simply means widely known, whereas "are illustrious" implies a higher level of respect and admiration due to significant achievements or qualities. Something that is ""are illustrious"" carries a connotation of honor and prestige.