great honour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great honour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of pride or privilege in receiving recognition or a special opportunity. Example: "It is a great honour to be invited to speak at this prestigious conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It will be a great honour.

Independent

"It would be a great honour.

Independent

That was a great honour.

The Guardian - Film

This was a great honour.

The Guardian - Travel

Thank you for this great honour".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a great honour and I'm delighted".

The Guardian - Sport

You have given me a great honour.

The Guardian

It's a great honour for me.

The Guardian

"It's a great honour to be here.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's been a great honour," he says.

The Guardian

José Manuel Barroso described the award as a "great honour".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great honour" to express genuine appreciation and respect when acknowledging an award, invitation, or opportunity. Ensure the context aligns with the formality of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "great honour" in overly casual or informal situations. Opt for simpler expressions like "I'm happy to" or "I appreciate it" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great honour" functions as a noun phrase expressing a strong sense of respect, pride, or privilege. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use when receiving an award, being appointed to a position, or being invited to an event. The phrase typically acts as the object of a verb like 'is', 'was', or 'be'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great honour" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a deep sense of respect and gratitude. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for formal contexts, such as news reports, professional communications, and acceptance speeches. While it effectively communicates appreciation, it's crucial to be mindful of the tone and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternative expressions like "tremendous honor" or simply "honored" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating the versatility of "great honour" in various contexts, reinforcing its significance in expressing sincere appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremendous honor

Emphasizes the magnitude of the honor received.

profound honor

Highlights the depth and significance of the honor.

distinct privilege

Shifts focus slightly to the advantageous aspect of the honor.

immense distinction

Focuses on the quality of being special and recognized.

significant recognition

Highlights acknowledgement of achievement.

remarkable tribute

Emphasizes that the honour is an act of respect or gratitude.

special acknowledgement

Indicates a formal or notable recognition.

high commendation

Implies formal and official praise.

esteemed award

Highlights the prestige associated with the honor.

signal honor

Indicates that the honor is a notable or outstanding one.

FAQs

How can I express the same sentiment as "great honour" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "privilege", "pleasure", or simply "honored" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "great honour" in a business email?

Yes, using "great honour" is suitable for business emails, especially when expressing gratitude for an opportunity or recognition. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the communication.

What's the difference between "great honour" and "great privilege"?

"Great honour" emphasizes respect and admiration, while "great privilege" focuses on the advantageous or special nature of the opportunity. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

How to use "great honour" in a sentence?

You can say, "It is a "great honour" to be invited to speak at this conference", or "Receiving this award is a "great honour" for me and my family".