your excellency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "your excellency" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a formal address for high-ranking officials, such as governors, ambassadors, or other dignitaries. Example: "Your excellency, it is an honor to meet you at this diplomatic event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Odinga called Mr Kibaki "your excellency".

The Economist

So will he insist on being called "your excellency"?

The New York Times

"The food is excellent," I said, stifling the impulse to append "Your Excellency" to the assessment.

The New Yorker

Your Excellency?

The New Yorker

Good evening, your excellency.

The Guardian

Your Excellency, let me introduce myself.

The New York Times

We love you dearly, Your Excellency.

The New York Times

Your Excellency, you can't make this stuff up.

The New York Times

Your excellency, his eminence is on the line".

The New York Times

We have no one to resort to but your excellency".

The New York Times

Your Excellency, Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "your excellency" in formal settings when addressing high-ranking officials such as ambassadors, governors, or certain religious leaders. Always confirm the correct form of address for the specific individual and context.

Common error

Avoid using "your excellency" in informal settings or when addressing individuals who do not hold a position warranting the title. Incorrect usage can be perceived as sarcastic or disrespectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "your excellency" functions as a formal honorific, used to address individuals holding high-ranking positions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in formal contexts. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use when addressing ambassadors or religious leaders.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "your excellency" is a highly formal and widely used honorific, primarily employed to address high-ranking officials such as ambassadors, governors, and religious leaders. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts. Its frequent appearance in news, media, and business settings underscores its importance in professional communication. While alternatives like "your honor" or "your highness" exist, the choice depends on the specific role and setting. Proper usage demonstrates respect and acknowledges the individual's position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

your honor

This alternative is typically used when addressing judges or magistrates in a courtroom setting.

your highness

This alternative is reserved for members of royal families or individuals of noble rank.

your majesty

This alternative is the formal way to address a king, queen, emperor, or empress.

Mr./Madam President

This alternative is used when directly addressing the president of a country.

Mr./Madam Ambassador

This alternative is the standard way to address an ambassador.

Right Reverend

This alternative is a title used to address bishops in certain Christian denominations.

Most Reverend

This alternative is used for archbishops and other high-ranking clergy.

His/Her Lordship

This alternative is used for addressing a Lord.

His/Her Grace

This alternative is used for addressing a Duke.

distinguished guest

A more general, less formal way to acknowledge someone of high status.

FAQs

How to use "your excellency" in a sentence?

"Your excellency" is used as a formal address to high-ranking officials. For example: "Your excellency, it is an honor to meet you."

When is it appropriate to address someone as "your excellency"?

Address someone as "your excellency" when they hold a high-ranking position such as an ambassador, governor, or certain religious leader. It is a title of respect used in formal settings.

What are some alternatives to using "your excellency"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "your honor" (for judges), "your highness" (for royalty), or "Mr. President" (for the president).

Is "your excellency" still a commonly used term?

Yes, "your excellency" remains a commonly used term in formal and diplomatic circles when addressing high-ranking officials, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in news and media.