matter of honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter of honor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or issue that is considered important or significant in terms of personal integrity or reputation. Example: "For him, defending his family's name was a matter of honor that he could not ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's a matter of honor".

The New York Times

A MATTER OF HONOR, by Jeffrey Archer.

The New York Times

It is also a matter of honor and sound science.

The New York Times

But Carleton responded that it was a matter of honor.

The New York Times - Books

* 2 15 2 A MATTER OF HONOR, by Jeffrey Archer.

The New York Times - Books

* 2 2 3 A MATTER OF HONOR, by Jeffrey Archer.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

For LeBron James, the high school prodigy and top pick last night, dressing was a matter of honoring his status as someone with a $90 million Nike deal.

The New York Times - Sports

But when the full slate did not muster a majority of the 17 trustees, 10 of the board members, again including Mr. Schmidt, voted to table the matter of honoring Mr. Kushner, effectively denying him the degree because the board would not be meeting again before John Jay's graduation.

The New York Times

It was a matter of honoring the state constitution.

Los Angeles Times

This is a matter of honoring and respecting her.

HuffPost

It is simply a matter of honoring their memory". She would even be satisfied if mention were made in an indirect manner, honoring all athletes of past Olympics, without specific reference to Munich.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of honor", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation where personal integrity, reputation, or ethical principles are at stake. It often implies a deep-seated commitment to upholding certain values.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of honor" in situations where the stakes are low or the issue is not genuinely related to ethical conduct or personal integrity. Overuse can dilute its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of honor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It identifies a situation or issue as being significant due to considerations of ethics, integrity, or reputation. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "matter of honor" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the significance of integrity and ethical principles. According to Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where personal integrity or ethical conduct are genuinely at stake, avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, the phrase is a valuable tool for conveying a commitment to upholding certain values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question of honor

Replaces "matter" with "question", emphasizing the aspect of debate or consideration regarding honor.

matter of principle

Highlights the adherence to a set of moral guidelines.

issue of integrity

Focuses on the integrity aspect rather than the broader concept of honor.

issue of respect

Focuses on respect rather than broader concept of honor.

point of principle

Shifts the focus from honor to a foundational belief or value.

moral imperative

Highlights the ethical obligation associated with the situation.

moral obligation

Underlines the ethical responsibility involved.

ethical consideration

Emphasizes the moral dimensions and thoughtfulness required.

duty of care

Emphasizes the responsibility and obligation to act.

thing of importance

Broadens the scope to include anything considered significant.

FAQs

How can I use "matter of honor" in a sentence?

You can use "matter of honor" to describe a situation where someone feels compelled to act in a certain way due to their personal code of ethics or sense of duty. For example, "He considered it a "matter of honor" to repay the debt, no matter the cost."

What are some alternatives to "matter of honor"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "question of honor", "issue of integrity", or "point of principle".

Is "matter of honor" a formal or informal expression?

"Matter of honor" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally carries a weightier tone, suggesting a serious commitment to ethical conduct.

What's the difference between "matter of honor" and "matter of pride"?

"Matter of honor" relates to upholding ethical principles and personal integrity, while "matter of pride" is related to self-esteem and accomplishments. Something can be a "matter of honor" without necessarily being a source of personal pride, and vice versa.