red letter day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "red letter day" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a day that is particularly significant or memorable, often because of a positive event. Example: "Graduation day was a red letter day for her, marking the culmination of years of hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Not every day is a red letter day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a red letter day – or a black on maroon one anyway.

The Guardian - Arts

A giddy red letter day for the gnarled old comrades who have waited for generations for one of their own to occupy Labour's high seat.

The Guardian - Opinion

And some have dates for titles, one being "February 19 , 2004" in which a bright red rectangle (a red letter day?) stands out among more sedate hues.

The New York Times

MediaGuardian.co.uk verdict: Not quite a Red letter day for Hachette, although its monthly glossy is the star performer and with its record circulation outperforms Vogue.

The Guardian

Speaking outside Laganside courthouse in Belfast on Monday, Black said it was a "red letter day" for him and the families of the murdered men.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

On most days, Davis' game, 13 tackles and an interception, would be a red-letter day.

Huffington Post

Someone asked where terms like "red-letter day" came from.

The New York Times

"It's a red-letter day! i is all you need".

The Guardian

Tanglewood Time For devotees of summertime music, Friday is a red-letter day.

The New York Times

One red-letter day, it was decided that everyone rated a fee of $5 per performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Red letter day" is most appropriate for positive or celebratory events, not for negative or neutral ones.

Common error

Avoid using "red letter day" to describe negative events. The phrase carries a positive connotation and is unsuitable for somber or unfortunate occasions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "red letter day" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe a particular day. As Ludwig shows, it characterizes an occasion as significant or memorable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "red letter day" is a commonly used expression to describe a day of particular significance or celebration. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the importance of the described day. While versatile, it's best suited for positive contexts. Alternatives include "special occasion" or "memorable event", but "red letter day" itself carries a traditional and somewhat formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

day to remember

Emphasizes the memorability of the day, often due to positive experiences.

banner day

Similar in meaning, suggesting a particularly successful or important day; slightly more informal.

significant day

Highlights the importance of the day, often due to an impactful event.

memorable event

Focuses on the event being worthy of remembering; more general.

landmark day

Highlights a turning point or significant achievement.

auspicious occasion

Implies a fortunate or promising event; more formal.

special occasion

A general term for any event that is out of the ordinary; less specific.

important milestone

Emphasizes the achievement or progress marked by the day.

momentous occasion

Emphasizes the historical importance or far-reaching consequences of the event; more formal.

celebrated event

Focuses on the aspect of celebration and recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "red letter day" in a sentence?

You can use "red letter day" to describe a day of particular importance or celebration. For example: "Graduation day was a "red letter day" for her."

What is the origin of the phrase "red letter day"?

The phrase "red letter day" comes from the practice of marking holy days and saints' days in red on church calendars.

What can I say instead of "red letter day"?

You can use alternatives like "special occasion", "memorable event", or "auspicious occasion" depending on the context.

Is "red letter day" formal or informal?

"Red letter day" is generally considered a somewhat formal and traditional phrase, suitable for both written and spoken contexts. Although Ludwig indicates correct grammar status, it also suggest considering alternative phrases if the situation requires extreme formality.