greatest honor

USAGE SUMMARY

"greatest honor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most prestigious or esteemed reward or recognition one has been given. For example, "It was my greatest honor to receive a Nobel Prize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's the greatest honor.

The New York Times

This is the single greatest honor of my life".

The New York Times - Sports

"This has to be the greatest honor of my life," Mr. Perry said.

The New York Times

To be Hirschfelded is the greatest honor an actor can have".

The New York Times

It was the greatest honor that any Indian citizen can think of.

The New York Times

The Times is proud to be recognized with the magazine industry's greatest honor.

The New Yorker

Hornung says his greatest honor was being on the cover of Sports Illustrated with Secretariat.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Wilson said that joining the hall was "the greatest honor" he had ever received.

The New York Times - Arts

Being the US Attorney in SDNY will forever be the greatest honor of my professional life".

The New Yorker

If I had won, that would have been the greatest honor".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Marriage is held in the greatest [honor], as one of God's original thoughts of blessing for the human race".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing the phrase to someone, ensure accurate quotation and context to maintain the original sentiment and avoid misrepresentation.

Common error

Avoid using "greatest honor" in everyday situations where simpler expressions of gratitude would be more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact and sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest honor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in expressing profound appreciation for recognition or a significant opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greatest honor" is a powerful expression of gratitude and humility, typically used to acknowledge a significant achievement, recognition, or opportunity. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While its impact is undeniable, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual situations where simpler expressions would suffice. Considering alternatives like "highest distinction" or "utmost privilege" can also enhance your writing's precision and impact. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and appropriateness of this expression in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest distinction

Focuses on the exceptional quality of the achievement, emphasizing prestige.

utmost privilege

Highlights the exclusive and advantageous nature of the opportunity.

crowning achievement

Emphasizes the culmination of effort and success, marking a high point.

supreme accolade

Stresses formal recognition and exceptional merit.

singular honor

Emphasizes the unique and unparalleled nature of the recognition.

unrivaled distinction

Highlights the unmatched and superior quality of the achievement.

paramount honor

Highlights the importance and superiority of the recognition.

chief privilege

Focuses on the importance and advantage conferred by the opportunity.

signal honor

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and public acknowledgment of the distinction.

preeminent distinction

Emphasizes outstanding rank, and thus superiority of recognition.

FAQs

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

You can use "greatest honor" to describe a significant achievement or recognition, like "It was the "greatest honor" to receive this award" or "Being selected for this role is the "greatest honor" of my career".

What's a good alternative to "greatest honor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "highest distinction", "utmost privilege", or "crowning achievement".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "greatest honor"?

It's appropriate to use "greatest honor" when you want to express sincere appreciation and respect for a very significant achievement, recognition, or opportunity. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact.

What is the difference between "greatest honor" and "greatest achievement"?

"Greatest honor" refers to the recognition or privilege received, while "greatest achievement" refers to the accomplishment itself. Receiving an award is a "greatest honor", while completing a groundbreaking project is a "greatest achievement".