blue ribbons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blue ribbons" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to awards or honors, particularly in competitions or events where first place is recognized. Example: "The annual fair featured a variety of contests, and the winners proudly displayed their blue ribbons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Blue ribbons!

The New Yorker

Blue ribbons took on a horrible significance.

The Guardian

Blue ribbons on holiday wreaths bore the phrase "We remember".

The New York Times

In 1995, she walked off with 38 blue ribbons.

The New York Times

Others wear blue ribbons that say, simply, "Find Brittney".

The New York Times

The winners of the Blue Ribbons were not supposed to have played together.

The New York Times

Calming the Horses More than blue ribbons and prestige are at stake in equestrian competitions.

The New York Times

She won blue ribbons on her horse Fancy Free throughout her entire childhood.

The New York Times

The diagramed deal was the last but one that they played in the Blue Ribbons.

The New York Times

Isn't 4-H a country thing -- with cows and oversize pumpkins, blue ribbons and state fairs?

The New York Times

The sea itself is two agitated blue ribbons (design: Robert Innes Hopkins).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blue ribbons" to describe awards in competitive events, ensure the context clearly indicates the type of competition and the significance of winning a blue ribbon. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "blue ribbons" in contexts where the color blue has a negative or conflicting connotation. Always consider the cultural and contextual implications of color symbolism to prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blue ribbons" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often representing awards, recognition, or symbols of support. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, further supporting its established grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blue ribbons" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase symbolizing awards, recognition, or support. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. Its usage spans from formal news reports to informal expressions, making it a versatile term. Predominantly found in news and media, it signifies achievement and solidarity. When employing this phrase, consider the symbolic implications and ensure contextual relevance to enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first place prizes

Directly refers to winning first place, highlighting the competitive aspect.

top honors

Indicates the highest level of achievement, adding a sense of prestige.

awards

General term for prizes or recognitions, differing in specificity.

accolades

Formal term for awards or expressions of praise, more sophisticated in tone.

decorations of support

Signifies items used to show backing or solidarity, focusing on symbolic representation.

symbols of recognition

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging achievement through specific items.

marks of distinction

Highlights unique or outstanding qualities being rewarded.

victory emblems

Focuses on the aspect of winning and the symbols associated with it.

triumphal tokens

Suggests items given to commemorate a significant success.

banners of solidarity

Items used to show a unified front or shared sentiment.

FAQs

What does "blue ribbons" usually symbolize?

"Blue ribbons" typically symbolize awards, first-place prizes, or high honors in competitions or events. They can also represent support or solidarity in certain contexts.

How can I use "blue ribbons" in a sentence?

You can use "blue ribbons" to describe achievements, such as: "She won several "first place prizes" at the state fair" or "The community displayed "symbols of recognition" to honor the fallen officer".

Are there any contexts where using "blue ribbons" would be inappropriate?

Yes, using "blue ribbons" might be inappropriate in contexts where the color blue carries negative connotations, or in situations that lack a celebratory or supportive aspect. Always consider the cultural and symbolic implications.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "blue ribbons"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "top honors", "accolades", or "symbols of recognition" to convey a similar meaning.