what a privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what a privilege' is correct and is widely used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express gratitude or admiration for an opportunity or experience. Example sentence: "It is such an honor to be here tonight; what a privilege it is to be invited!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a privilege.

The Guardian - Arts

What a privilege it was to witness.

The New York Times - Arts

"What a privilege to be here.

BBC

What a privilege to sit among them.

The New York Times - Arts

And what a privilege it has been to do so.

The New York Times

What a privilege it has been to be your friend.

The New York Times

"People don't appreciate what a privilege this is," he said.

The New York Times

"It's almost like the students don't appreciate what a privilege it is".

The New York Times - Sports

"What a privilege it is that this thing exists," he said.

The New Yorker

I wanted him to know what a privilege it was to call him my friend.

The New York Times - Sports

"What a privilege for me to be able to train with him every day," Ervin said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: While versatile, it's most effective when conveying genuine gratitude or acknowledging a special honor.

Common error

Avoid using "what a privilege" sarcastically or in situations where genuine gratitude is not warranted, as it can sound insincere or even offensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a privilege" functions as an exclamatory expression of gratitude or appreciation. It highlights the speaker's recognition of a special opportunity, honor, or benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a privilege" is a widely used phrase to express sincere gratitude and acknowledge a special honor or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability across various writing styles. The phrase is most common in news and media contexts, as well as academic writing. While versatile, be mindful of the context to avoid insincerity. Consider alternatives like "what an honor" or "how fortunate" to add nuance. Remember, this phrase expresses genuine appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how privileged

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the advantageous position one holds.

what an honor

Similar expression emphasizing respect and esteem, often interchangeable with slight variation in context.

incredibly honored

More emphatic version of being honored.

what a pleasure

Focuses on the enjoyment derived from the experience, rather than the sense of honor.

how fortunate

Highlights the element of luck or good fortune associated with the opportunity.

what a treat

Suggests the experience is a special and delightful occasion.

what a gift

Emphasizes the received nature of the opportunity, akin to a present.

such a blessing

Conveys a sense of divine favor or gratitude, often in a more religious context.

deeply grateful

A more straightforward expression of thankfulness.

truly blessed

Similar to "such a blessing" but may be more casually used.

FAQs

How can I use "what a privilege" in a sentence?

You can use "what a privilege" to express gratitude or acknowledge an honor. For example, "It is such an honor to be here tonight; /s/what+a+privilege it is to be invited!"

What can I say instead of "what a privilege"?

You can use alternatives like "what an honor", "how fortunate", or "deeply grateful" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "what a privilege" in formal writing?

Yes, "what a privilege" can be used in formal writing to express sincere gratitude or acknowledge an honor. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

When is it inappropriate to use "what a privilege"?

Avoid using "what a privilege" sarcastically or in situations where genuine gratitude is not warranted. It can also sound insincere if overused or used in contexts where privilege is not relevant or acknowledged for all.