it was a distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a distinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is recognized for excellence or high status. Example: "At the ceremony, it was a distinguished honor to receive the award from the esteemed professor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

By then, it was a distinguished career.

The New York Times - Books

Although it lasted only 7 years it was a distinguished literary journal.

The New Yorker

It was a distinguished year – Lee Mack, Johnny Vegas, Natalie Haynes.

The Guardian

It was a distinguished art, and an art that burned with the soft, reliable radiance of an oil lamp.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a distinguished theatrical family: his half brother, Herbert Beerbohm Tree, was one of the great actor managers of the day.

The New Yorker

It was a distinguished end to a roller-coaster campaign that experts say will be etched in memory both for its revolutionary use of the Internet and for its stunningly swift collapse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Eliot described its strengths: "We agree that it is a distinguished piece of writing; that the fable is very skilfully handled, and that the narrative keeps one's interest on its own plane – and that is something very few authors have achieved since Gulliver".

The Guardian - Books

But it is a distinguished performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Rogoff said that it is a distinguished association, founded in 1934.

The New Yorker

(Tommasini) ★ 'La Traviata' (Monday) It is a distinguished group that will try to fill the chillingly empty space in Willy Decker's spare, vivid production of this Verdi classic.

The New York Times - Arts

But it's a distinguished debut disc, well worth collecting to support the ideals of Barenboim and the late Edward Said in founding an orchestra of young Israeli and Palestinian musicians as 'a paradigm of coherent and intelligent cohabitation'.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a distinguished", ensure that the context provides clear evidence or justification for the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a distinguished" in casual conversation. This phrase is better suited for formal writing or speaking where a higher level of sophistication is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a distinguished" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, attributing a quality of excellence and high regard to a subject. Ludwig examples show it used to describe careers, families, and artistic endeavors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was a distinguished" is a descriptive phrase used to attribute excellence and high regard to a subject, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it is best suited for formal writing. Alternatives include phrases like "it was a remarkable" or "it was a notable". Avoid using it in casual contexts to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a remarkable

Replaces "distinguished" with "remarkable", focusing on the noteworthiness of the subject.

it was a notable

Substitutes "distinguished" with "notable", emphasizing the prominence of the subject.

it was an exceptional

Replaces "distinguished" with "exceptional", highlighting the superiority of the subject.

it was a celebrated

Changes "distinguished" to "celebrated", indicating widespread recognition.

it was a prestigious

Replaces "distinguished" with "prestigious", emphasizing the high status of the subject.

it was a prominent

Substitutes "distinguished" with "prominent", focusing on importance and fame.

it was a significant

Changes "distinguished" to "significant", highlighting the importance of the subject.

it was a lauded

Replaces "distinguished" with "lauded", emphasizing praise and admiration.

it was an honored

Changes "distinguished" to "honored", emphasizing respect and recognition.

it was a respected

Replaces "distinguished" with "respected", emphasizing admiration and high regard.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a distinguished" in a sentence?

Use "it was a distinguished" to describe something or someone that has a reputation for excellence or high achievement. For example, "It was a distinguished career marked by numerous awards".

What are some alternatives to "it was a distinguished"?

Alternatives include "it was a remarkable", "it was a notable", or "it was an exceptional", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was a distinguished" formal or informal?

"It was a distinguished" leans towards formal usage, suitable for professional or academic contexts. More casual alternatives might be preferable in informal settings.

What does "distinguished" specifically imply when using "it was a distinguished"?

"Distinguished" suggests a high level of respect, honor, and recognition earned through achievements or qualities. It emphasizes that something is not only good but also stands out as exceptional.