sense of ceremony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of ceremony" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an individual or event that is characterized by an air of formality or grandeur. For example, "The mayor was dignified and carried a sense of ceremony that filled the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

There is very little sense of ceremony in Pavement's reunion gigs.

The New York Times - Arts

I had a sense of ceremony and intimacy, suffused with honor.

The New York Times

I was struck by Gubaidulina's bird-like shyness, by her formality and sense of ceremony.

The Guardian - Music

When the moment came, Curry met it with an appropriate sense of ceremony.

The New Yorker

For a long time, wine was linked to class, how much you earn, and a sense of ceremony.

Independent

It didn't have quite the same sense of ceremony out there, Mr. McKenzie said during musical chairs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But as the Sugar Plum Fairy, she showed qualities both touching and gracious: a sense of both ceremony and awe.

The New York Times - Arts

What follows is a stripping away, in every sense, of public ceremony to reach the square root of humanity.

The Guardian

There was plenty of noise around Old Trafford and a sense of rousing ceremony about the whole occasion.

The Guardian - Sport

The intensely athletic body language is far from that of the 17th and 18th centuries, when these scores were composed, and yet a sense of courteous ceremony also spirits us back to that music's era.

The New York Times - Arts

With its whitewashed interior and quiet setting, it induces a particular sense of uncluttered ceremony in its audiences, making it is easily the best of the more decorous Bristol venues, and one which is largely unknown to non-locals. 5 Great George Street, 0845 402 4001, stgeorgesbristol.co.uk.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of ceremony" when you want to convey a feeling of formality, importance, or ritualistic significance surrounding an event or action. For example, "The inauguration was imbued with a strong sense of ceremony."

Common error

Avoid using "sense of ceremony" to describe an event that is merely overly formal or stuffy. The phrase implies a deeper appreciation for tradition and ritual, not just adherence to strict rules. Make sure there is a feeling of importance, solemnity, and tradition, otherwise consider another expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of ceremony" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. Ludwig shows that it describes the atmosphere or feeling surrounding an event or action, emphasizing its formality and ritualistic nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

25%

Culture

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of ceremony" is a noun phrase that describes the feeling of formality, importance, and tradition surrounding an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, lifestyle, and cultural contexts. When using "sense of ceremony", consider the connotations of respect and established customs, differentiating it from mere formality. Alternatives like "air of formality" or "atmosphere of ritual" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to match the tone to the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of solemnity

Replaces 'ceremony' with a word emphasizing the serious and respectful nature of the event.

air of formality

Focuses on the structured and conventional aspects, using 'formality' instead of 'ceremony'.

atmosphere of ritual

Highlights the repeated and symbolic actions involved, using 'ritual' instead of 'ceremony'.

touch of grandeur

Emphasizes the impressive and magnificent nature, shifting from 'ceremony' to 'grandeur'.

element of pageantry

Replaces "ceremony" with a more visually striking term suggesting elaborate display.

undertone of tradition

Highlights the passing down of customs and practices, rather than the event itself.

hint of solemn occasion

Focuses on the gravity and importance of the event, using "solemn occasion" instead of "ceremony".

presence of decorum

Stresses proper behavior and etiquette, replacing 'ceremony' with 'decorum'.

spirit of observance

Highlights the act of paying attention to and respecting customs.

feeling of reverence

Emphasizes deep respect and awe, shifting the focus from the event to the emotional response.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of ceremony" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of ceremony" to describe an event or situation marked by formality, tradition, and respect. For example, "The wedding was beautiful and full of a "sense of ceremony"." or "The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace has a strong "sense of ceremony"."

What's a good alternative to "sense of ceremony"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "air of formality", "atmosphere of ritual", or "feeling of solemnity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sense of ceremony" formal or informal language?

"Sense of ceremony" is generally considered neutral to formal language. It's appropriate for describing events in news reports, academic papers, or formal occasions. It is not necessarily stilted language, but there should still be an effort to match the tone to the meaning.

What is implied by describing something as having a "sense of ceremony"?

Describing something as having a "sense of ceremony" implies that the event or action is treated with respect, dignity, and attention to established customs or rituals. It suggests that there is more than just a routine or perfunctory action taking place, and that symbolic meaning is attached.