pay honor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pay honor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing respect or tribute to someone or something, often in a formal context. Example: "We gather here today to pay honor to those who have served our country with bravery and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Bush's Inauguration Will Pay Honor to U.S. Troops Abroad" (news article, Dec. 17) is yet another example of the Bush administration's preference for the superficial over the meaningful.

The New York Times

In the days of the Maya, women made pilgrimages to the "Island of Swallows" to pay honor to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.

Forbes

And lastly, including floral elements in the work is a small way to pay honor to a certain flower picking little boy.

Huffington Post

As this month comes to an end, we pay honor to some of the worst Photoshopping fails we saw in September 2012.

Huffington Post

The Facebook page of the dancer known as Reggae Pops has been filled with memories over the past hours as longtime club-goers pay honor to a smooth-moving fixture on the city's night-life scene.

Los Angeles Times

In just a few short minutes, Gaga stormed through Bowie hit after Bowie hit, and she did so while also being careful to pay honor to his carefully crafted aesthetic, as well. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Guys are paying honor to their ancestors, and there's a lot of emotion".

The New York Times - Magazine

Some people may prefer other Russian ballets (I like "Swan Lake" better), but most of the ballet world pays honor to "The Sleeping Beauty".

The New Yorker

It is not only about turning this historic venue into a vibrant place, without paying honor and attention to its history.

The New York Times - Arts

He paid honor, too, to the Islamic guerrillas who fought against the Soviet occupation and then later against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and remembered the slain leaders of some of these groups, such as the Tajik leader Ahmed Shah Massoud, the Hazara leader Mazari, and the Pashtun leader Abdul Haq, and "all the other Afghan martyrs whose graves lie in the desert marked with only one flag".

The New York Times

A truly wonderful way for Laura Bush to go down in history for all time would be as the first lady who wore a "used" dress for the inaugural ball, thus paying honor to the young people who are dying in her husband's misbegotten war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pay honor" when you want to express a formal act of showing respect or giving tribute to someone or something, often in a public or ceremonial context.

Common error

Avoid using "pay honor" in casual conversation; it's better suited for formal writing or speeches. Alternatives like "respect" or "admire" are more appropriate for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay honor" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where "pay" acts as a verb indicating the action of giving or showing, and "honor" is the noun representing the respect or tribute being conveyed. Ludwig examples showcase its use in expressing formal respect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pay honor" is a grammatically correct way to express respect or tribute, generally used in formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although the examples suggest it's more common in news and media than in casual settings. For more informal situations, consider alternatives such as "show respect" or "give tribute". While not exceedingly common, "pay honor" remains a valid and impactful way to convey deep regard, particularly when acknowledging significant achievements or contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer respect

Uses a more direct and straightforward way to convey the idea of showing honor.

show reverence

Replaces "pay honor" with a more formal and religious connotation.

give homage

Substitutes "pay honor" with a phrase that emphasizes a formal acknowledgment of superiority or worth.

render tribute

Replaces "pay honor" with a phrase suggesting a formal act of acknowledging someone's merit.

demonstrate esteem

Emphasizes the outward display of high regard.

bestow accolades

Moves from a general sense of honor to specifically granting awards or praise.

extend recognition

Focuses on publicly acknowledging someone's achievements or qualities.

venerate

Conveys a sense of deep respect and reverence, often associated with religious or historical figures.

express admiration

Shifts the focus to conveying a feeling of deep respect and approval.

accord distinction

Highlights the act of granting special status or recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "pay honor" in a sentence?

You can use "pay honor" to describe formally showing respect or giving tribute. For example, "We gather to "pay honor" to the veterans who have served our country."

What's a less formal way to say "pay honor"?

Instead of "pay honor", you could use phrases like "show respect", "give tribute", or simply "honor", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "paid honor" instead of "pay honor"?

Yes, "paid honor" is the past tense form of the phrase. For example, "The city "paid honor" to its founders with a parade."

What is the difference between "pay honor" and "give respect"?

"Pay honor" typically implies a more formal or ceremonial act of showing respect, whereas "give respect" can be used in broader, less formal contexts.