honoured guests

USAGE SUMMARY

"honoured guests" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to important or esteemed individuals who have been invited to an event or gathering. Example: The wedding reception was filled with honoured guests, including the bride's grandparents and the groom's former college professor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Yesterday he and his closest colleagues were honoured guests in the Oval Office.

Independent

In Indian households, arati is a commonly observed ritual element accorded specially honoured guests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Indian households, arti is a commonly observed ritual treatment accorded specially honoured guests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once they are through quarantine, however, the mannequins are treated like deeply honoured guests.

The Guardian - Arts

At Lilly's 100th birthday party, held in a restaurant, her Pakistani neighbours were honoured guests and had pride of place at the top table.

Independent

The tiffin wallahs have become so revered that they are now called on to lecture to big businesses, and have been honoured guests at British royal weddings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

At Bill Clinton's second nominating convention in 1996, for example, Carter was not even present, still less an honoured guest.

The Guardian

The toasts that follow will vary and may honour guests, family, dead loved ones, the hosts, women and children.

BBC

Following Indian tradition for honouring guests, Mr. Bachchan and his wife, Jaya, were presented with necklaces of flowers.

Unicef

If the Taliban fall, Pakistan is expecting a large say in whatever order succeeds them.In this section Caught in the middle Honoured guest On board?

The Economist

The Taliban's relations with the outside world have been much more hostile since then.In this section Caught in the middle Honoured guest On board?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "honoured guests" in formal settings or when you want to emphasize the high regard in which the guests are held.

Common error

Avoid using "honoured guests" in casual or informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for a more relaxed term like "special guests" or simply "guests" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honoured guests" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a group of people who are being given special recognition and respect at an event or gathering, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honoured guests" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes individuals held in high esteem and given special recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for formal contexts, such as news reports, business communications, and encyclopedia entries. While alternatives like "distinguished guests" or "esteemed guests" exist, the original phrase maintains its relevance in situations that call for a formal and respectful tone. Remember to reserve "honoured guests" for appropriate settings and avoid using it in casual conversation to ensure it retains its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guests of honor

Implies the guests are the primary focus of the event and are being specially recognized.

distinguished guests

Emphasizes the high status and importance of the guests.

esteemed guests

Highlights the respect and admiration held for the guests.

respected guests

Highlights the guests' standing and the regard they are held in.

celebrated guests

Indicates that the guests are well-known and admired.

venerated guests

Implies a deep respect and reverence for the guests, often due to their age or accomplishments.

special guests

A more general term that simply indicates the guests are being given preferential treatment.

favored guests

Suggests the guests are particularly liked or appreciated.

VIP guests

Highlights the guests' status as Very Important People.

notable attendees

Focuses on the guests' prominence and their presence at the event.

FAQs

How can I use "honoured guests" in a sentence?

You can use "honoured guests" to refer to important individuals invited to an event, such as "The wedding reception was filled with honoured guests, including family and close friends."

What are some alternatives to "honoured guests"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "distinguished guests", "esteemed guests", or "guests of honor".

What is the difference between "honoured guests" and "guests of honor"?

"Honoured guests" is a general term for respected invitees. "Guests of honor" specifically implies that these guests are the central focus and are being given special recognition at an event.

Is "honored guests" or "honoured guests" correct?

"Honoured guests" is the correct spelling in British English, while "honored guests" is the standard spelling in American English. The meaning is identical, but the spelling reflects regional variations.