honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the respect or esteem given to someone or something, or when acknowledging a commitment or privilege. Example: "It is an honor to receive this award for my contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's been such an honor to work at the White House and I will always be grateful for this incredible opportunity".

The Guardian

After a rough midweek for MLS ambitions at the hands of Mexican teams, it's back to domestic action as MLS gears up for week three — where perhaps we'll see the first frontrunners for the honor of being beaten up on south of the border sometime in spring 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

Miller, an Army veteran whose chest was festooned with medals, looked education undersecretary Ted Mitchell in the eye and asked, "Do you have any honor and dignity?" Despite mounting evidence of malfeasance at the Corinthian chain and various criminal probes and lawsuits, over half a million students remain on the hook.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alfonso Soriano won the American League Player of the Week honor for smashing five homers, then went out and hit an eighth inning tie-breaking two run round tripper off of RA Dickey on a Wednesday night when Ichiro got that 4,000th hit.

The Guardian - Sport

Francine Prose, one of the six who withdrew from the Gala, wrote in the Guardian on Tuesday that although she admires "the courage with which Charlie Hebdo has insisted on its right to provoke and challenge the doctrinaire, I don't feel that their work has the importance – the necessity – that would deserve such an honor".

The Guardian - Books

The decision reverses one made in 1920 to honor Saunders.

The Guardian

Among those who urged people not to click links to the video was Kelly Foley, James's cousin, who posted a message to Twitter that was retweeted more than 1,000 times: "Please honor James Foley and respect my family's privacy.

The Guardian

There were Broadway plays such as Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues, commemorating the honor, frugality, and innocence of the World War II years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fulton said she would prefer to channel her grief into the foundation she established in her son's honor.

The Guardian

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, the main proponent of the lawsuit, said the "honor of Paris" was at stake.

The Guardian

The best honor we could give Dean is to legalize Base jumping in national parks".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context when using "honor". While appropriate in formal settings, consider alternatives like "respect" or "appreciate" in more casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "honor" in everyday conversation where simpler words like "respect" or "recognize" are more suitable. Overusing "honor" in informal situations can sound pretentious or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The word "honor" functions primarily as a noun, denoting respect or a token of praise, and as a verb, meaning to show respect or abide by an agreement. Ludwig examples support both usages, showing it can represent both a state of being and an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honor" functions as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to convey respect, recognition, and adherence to moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules and is widely used across various contexts, notably in news, science, and formal communications. The word carries a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for serious or commemorative occasions. Remember to use "honor" appropriately, considering its formality and connotations, to ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respect

A more general term for admiration and high regard.

esteem

Implies a high level of respect and admiration.

integrity

Focuses on moral uprightness and honesty.

dignity

Emphasizes worthiness of respect.

privilege

Highlights a special right or opportunity.

accolade

Specifically refers to an award or recognition.

veneration

Implies deep respect and reverence, often for someone elderly or saintly.

high regard

A phrase that indicates a strong positive opinion or respect.

good reputation

Highlights the positive public perception associated with the term.

moral character

Emphasizes ethical strength and virtuous behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "honor" in a sentence?

You can use "honor" in a sentence as a noun, such as "It is an honor to be here", or as a verb, such as "We should honor our veterans".

What can I say instead of "honor"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "respect", "esteem", or "privilege".

Which is correct: "It was an honor" or "It was a honor"?

"It was an honor" is correct. "Honor" begins with a vowel sound, so the indefinite article "an" is used.

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

"Honor" often implies a higher degree of admiration and formality than "respect". "Honor" can also refer to a specific award or recognition, while "respect" is a more general feeling or attitude.