be honoured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be honoured" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a sense of respect or privilege in relation to an event or recognition. Example: "I would be honoured to accept this award on behalf of my team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'I would be honoured!

The Guardian - Books

Heidi: I'd be honoured!

The Guardian - Music

Whatever has been signed must be honoured.

The Guardian

These contracts, at least, could be honoured.

The Economist

Set and setting have to be honoured.

Independent

"I would be honoured," the insider replied.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must now be honoured.

The Guardian - Opinion

The family, after all, must be honoured.

The Economist

"I would be honoured," she replied.

The Guardian - Music

And he said yes, he'd be honoured.

The Guardian - Books

Whether these policies will be honoured is another question.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be honoured" to express genuine feelings of respect or gratitude. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so reserve it for situations that truly warrant such a sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "be honoured" sarcastically, as it can be misinterpreted, especially in written communication. Sarcasm relies heavily on tone, which is often lost in text, leading to confusion or offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be honoured" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to express a feeling of pride, gratitude, and respect when receiving an invitation, award, or recognition. As Ludwig AI shows, it's a common expression found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

25%

Music

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be honoured" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey feelings of pride and gratitude. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news, books, and music. When writing, it's important to ensure sincerity and avoid sarcastic applications to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "feel privileged" or "be grateful" can be used depending on the context. The high frequency and authoritative sources employing this phrase underscore its relevance and widespread acceptance in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be privileged to

Specifically denotes a unique opportunity or advantage in doing something.

feel privileged

Emphasizes the feeling of having a special advantage or opportunity.

be given the honor

Highlights the act of being granted special recognition or respect.

be humbled

Highlights a sense of modesty and respect, often in response to praise or recognition.

be grateful

Focuses on thankfulness for the opportunity or recognition received.

be thankful

Similar to 'be grateful', but can also imply a simpler, more heartfelt appreciation.

be delighted

Expresses great pleasure and joy at the prospect.

be pleased

Indicates satisfaction and contentment with the situation.

be recognized

Focuses on the acknowledgment and appreciation received.

be esteemed

Implies a high level of respect and admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "be honoured" in a sentence?

You can use "be honoured" to express a feeling of pride and gratitude when receiving an invitation, award, or special recognition. For example, "I would "be honoured" to accept your invitation".

What can I say instead of "be honoured"?

You can use alternatives like "feel privileged", "be humbled", or "be grateful" depending on the specific context.

Is it more common to say "be honoured" or "be honored"?

"Be honoured" is the British English spelling, while "be honored" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but usage depends on the regional context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be honoured"?

It is appropriate to use "be honoured" when you genuinely feel a sense of pride, respect, and gratitude for an opportunity or recognition. Avoid using it sarcastically or in contexts where it might seem insincere.