do honor

USAGE SUMMARY

"do honor" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used when someone or something deserves respect, admiration, appreciation, or recognition for the admirable things they have done. For example, "She was awarded the highest honor for her commitment to philanthropy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The objects do honor to IBM's history.

MIT Technology Review

But many active mailers do honor them.

The New York Times

The objects do honor to IBM’s history.

MIT Technology Review

Michael Finehirsh's desserts do honor to the menu.

The New York Times - Food

None will be proud to do honor to his memory," and so on.

The New Yorker

The only requirement was that the finished product do honor to its name.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Open to juniors intending to do honors in philosophy.

Stanford University

The turbulent stillness of Mr. Transtromer does honor to a prize that has not always done honor to itself.

The New York Times - Arts

"Both in terms of profitability, but also philosophically — doing honor and justice to that animal".

The New York Times

De Trobriand described what happened next: The president did honor to the collation.

The New York Times

"These are great French citizens, who did honor to France in their captivity".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience. "Do honor" is more appropriate in formal settings or when discussing historical or significant events.

Common error

Avoid using "do honor" in casual or informal conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "respect" or "appreciate" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do honor" functions primarily as a verb phrase, expressing the act of showing respect or admiration. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it being used to describe actions that acknowledge or celebrate someone or something's worth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do honor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey deep respect and admiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various formal contexts, especially within news and media. While alternatives like "pay tribute to" or "show respect for" exist, "do honor" often implies a more ceremonial acknowledgment. When aiming to express profound appreciation in formal settings, "do honor" stands as a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay tribute to

Emphasizes showing respect and admiration, often publicly.

show respect for

Highlights demonstrating regard and esteem.

give recognition to

Focuses on formally acknowledging someone's achievements or qualities.

acknowledge the merits of

Stresses recognizing positive aspects or qualities.

celebrate the legacy of

Highlights honoring someone's lasting impact or contributions.

uphold the integrity of

Focuses on maintaining and defending something's completeness or moral principles.

respect the memory of

Focuses on honoring someone who has passed away.

act in accordance with

Emphasizes behaving in a way that aligns with certain principles or standards.

observe the traditions of

Highlights following and respecting established customs.

show deference to

Emphasizes yielding to someone's authority or position.

FAQs

How can I use "do honor" in a sentence?

Use "do honor" to express high respect or admiration, such as, "The museum's exhibit "does honor" to the artist's legacy".

What are some alternatives to "do honor"?

You can use alternatives like "pay tribute to", "show respect for", or "give recognition to" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "do honor" or "pay honor"?

"Do honor" and "pay honor" are not equally common. While both convey respect, "pay honor" might be perceived as less conventional compared to "do honor".

What's the difference between "do honor" and "show respect"?

"Do honor" often implies a more formal and ceremonial act of recognition, while "show respect" is a broader term that can encompass everyday actions and attitudes.