Cool MateHonor vs You make it a blue-ribbon special
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Honor
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
You make it a blue-ribbon special
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Honor
| Honor | You make it a blue-ribbon special | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɒnə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɑːnər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //jʊ ˈmeɪk ɪt ə ˈbluː ˈrɪbən ˈspɛʃəl//🇺🇸 //jʊ ˈmeɪk ɪt ə ˈbluː ˈrɪbən ˈspɛʃəl// |
| Meaning | to show respect or value someone or something | You create something that is excellent or award-winning. |
| Example | He received an award in honor of his contributions to science. | You really make it a blue-ribbon special with your decorations! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | honor code, honor ceremony, to honor someone, in honor of, honor bound | make it special, blue-ribbon winner, create something memorable, add a special touch, highlight the excellence |
| Antonyms | dishonor, disgrace | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'honor' with 'honour' — Remember that 'honor' is the American English spelling., Using 'honor' as a verb incorrectly with inanimate objects — It typically applies to people or actions., Mixing up 'honor' with 'respect' — Both relate to value, but 'honor' has a deeper, often ceremonial implication. | Confusing 'blue-ribbon' with other colors., Using the phrase in negative contexts., Omitting 'it' when forming the phrase. |
| Usage notes | Used mainly in formal contexts, such as ceremonies or when discussing moral principles. Avoid using in casual conversations where the meaning could be too serious. | Use this phrase when emphasizing the quality or excellence of something. It's neutral and suitable for both casual and formal contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Honor vs You make it a blue-ribbon special
What's the difference between Honor and You make it a blue-ribbon special?
Honor: to show respect or value someone or something You make it a blue-ribbon special: You create something that is excellent or award-winning.
Which is more common: Honor and You make it a blue-ribbon special?
Honor is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Honor: He received an award in honor of his contributions to science. You make it a blue-ribbon special: You really make it a blue-ribbon special with your decorations!
Can I use Honor and You make it a blue-ribbon special interchangeably?
Not always. Honor and You make it a blue-ribbon special are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.