honors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of showing respect or recognition for someone or something, often in a formal context. Example: "The university honors its graduates during the annual commencement ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"PEN honors & defends 'freedom of expression' but not all 'expression' – it is selective," she added.

The Guardian - Books

His funeral on Friday included full military honors and was attended by 150 classmates.

The Guardian

The dramatic story of a drummer who pursues excellence at all costs won top honors at the Sundance film festival.

The Guardian - Film

Rhode Island's Sheldon Whitehouse wins top honors on the list for his near-constant support of environment (he's approaching 100 speeches on climate change).

The Guardian

Georgia officials have once again approved a specialty license plate featuring the Confederate battle flag, infuriating civil rights advocates and renewing a debate among those who believe the symbol honors Confederate heritage and those who see it as racially charged.

The Guardian

The final season of the hit drama Breaking Bad has taken the top honors at the 66th annual primetime Emmy awards, with five wins including best drama series, while Modern Family won best comedy series for the fifth consecutive time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(That's a joke!)Rizzo concludes by arguing:The president is not in a position to convey honors to anyone, least of all to a truly great economist like Gary Becker.

The Economist

How can the dishonorable convey honors?This strikes my ears a bit like: "How can the unmarried create marriages?" Well, ask a priest.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The following year Daltrey and Townshend were awarded Kennedy Center Honors, and the Who later performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2010 and at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Notable programs include the Honors College, which provides a special undergraduate curriculum, and the School of Optics, which offers graduate degrees and is one of the few academic departments of its kind in the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The annual Kennedy Center Honors are presented in Washington, D.C., to Warren Beatty, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Sir Elton John, Dame Joan Sutherland, and John Williams.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "honors", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being recognized or celebrated. For formal occasions, consider using "honors" to add a touch of tradition and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "honors" when referring to simple acts of acknowledgment or casual praise. "Honors" typically implies a formal recognition or significant achievement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "honors" is as a plural noun, referring to awards, distinctions, or special recognitions. As a verb, it signifies the act of bestowing such recognition or showing respect, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "honors" functions primarily as a plural noun signifying awards and recognitions or as a verb indicating the act of bestowing such recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans across diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, reflecting a neutral register. While alternatives such as "awards" and "accolades" exist, "honors" carries a distinctive sense of formal recognition and respect. When employing "honors", ensure the context appropriately conveys the significance of the achievement or distinction being acknowledged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awards

Focuses specifically on the tangible recognition given for achievements.

accolades

Emphasizes public praise and recognition.

achievements

Highlights the accomplishments themselves, rather than the recognition.

prizes

Refers to rewards given in recognition of merit.

recognition

Broadly signifies acknowledgement of merit or significance.

tributes

Implies a show of respect or gratitude.

distinctions

Highlights unique qualities that merit special attention.

decorations

Involves marks of honor or distinction, especially military.

kudos

Informal term for praise and honor received for accomplishments.

laurels

Figurative expression for honor or distinction gained.

FAQs

How can I use "honors" in a sentence?

You can use "honors" to describe formal recognition, such as "The university "honors" its outstanding alumni each year". It can also refer to academic distinctions, like "She graduated with "honors" in biology".

What are some synonyms for "honors"?

Alternatives to "honors" include "awards", "accolades", "achievements", or "recognition", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "honors" as a verb?

Yes, "honors" can be used as a verb to mean 'to show respect and admiration'. For example, "The ceremony "honors" veterans for their service".

What is the difference between "honors" and "awards"?

"Honors" often implies a broader recognition of merit or achievement, while "awards" typically refer to specific prizes or accolades given for particular accomplishments. You can use "awards" as one of the several types of "honors".