it is an honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "it is an honor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to express that something is a great privilege or highly esteemed. For example, "It is an honor to be a part of this team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is an honor, and an obligation.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is an honor I take seriously.

The New York Times

It is an honor, a pleasure, and a blessing.

Cornell University

"It is an honor to welcome Lourdes back to MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is an honor to welcome him to Berkeley.

University of California, Berkeley

It is an honor to have him with us today.

Stanford University

It is an honor to work with this team.

Cornell University

It is an honor he believes he earned.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is an honor to have him on the list".

The New York Times

To be part of it is an honor".

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM JIA KIM: Hello~ First of all, it is an honor to chat with you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is an honor" to express sincere appreciation and respect when acknowledging an award, invitation, or opportunity. Ensure the context reflects genuine esteem.

Common error

Avoid using "it is an honor" in casual or informal situations where a simpler expression of gratitude or pleasure would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound insincere or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is an honor" functions as an expressive statement used to convey a sense of respect, gratitude, or privilege. Ludwig's examples show its usage in formal acknowledgments and speeches. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

37%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is an honor" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey respect, gratitude, or privilege in formal settings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it adheres to standard grammar rules and is widely recognized across academic and news media sources. While very common, the expression is best used in contexts that warrant a sense of formality and sincerity. Alternatives such as "I am honored" or "it is a privilege" can offer similar sentiments with subtle differences in tone. Be mindful of the context to ensure the expression aligns with the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am honored

Directly expresses the feeling of being honored, shifting from an impersonal statement to a personal one.

I feel honored

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being honored, highlighting a sense of personal feeling.

It is a privilege

Conveys a similar sense of esteem and special opportunity, focusing on the advantageous nature of the situation.

I am privileged

Similar to "I am honored", but emphasizes the advantageous nature of the opportunity.

It is a distinction

Highlights the special and noteworthy aspect of the situation, emphasizing uniqueness.

I am humbled

Expresses a feeling of humility and gratitude, often used when receiving recognition.

It fills me with pride

Shifts the focus to the speaker's positive emotion about the situation.

I am grateful

Emphasizes thankfulness for the opportunity or recognition.

I appreciate the honor

Directly acknowledges and values the honor being bestowed.

It's a great pleasure

Expresses enjoyment and satisfaction in the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it is an honor" in a sentence?

Use "it is an honor" to formally express gratitude or acknowledge a privilege, such as, "It is an honor to be here tonight" or "It is an honor to receive this award".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is an honor"?

Alternatives include "I am honored", "it is a privilege", or "I am grateful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "it is an honor" or "I am honored"?

"It is an honor" is a more formal and impersonal statement, while "I am honored" is more personal and direct. Choose the phrase that best suits the context and your desired tone.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it is an honor"?

Avoid using "it is an honor" in informal or casual conversations where it might sound overly formal or insincere. Simpler expressions of thanks or appreciation are often more suitable in those contexts.