12 Other Ways to Say “I Am Honored”

Expressing gratitude and honor is important in both our personal and professional lives. However, repeating the phrase “I am honored” can become repetitive.

In this article, we provide 12 different ways to convey your appreciation and respect. Each alternative is explained with examples to help you communicate more effectively.

Is It Professional to Say “I Am Honored”?

Yes, saying “I am honored” is considered both professional and polite. It’s a versatile phrase often used in formal situations to express gratitude and recognition of a special opportunity or achievement.

This phrase can be used in a wide array of scenarios, whether you’re responding to being chosen for a team, considered for a position, acknowledging receipt of an award, or expressing gratitude for any form of recognition. The tone is both respectful and appreciative, making it suitable for formal communications with superiors, colleagues, and external contacts.

Here’s an example of how it can be utilized in an email:

Hello Mr. Emerson,

I am honored to be considered for this position. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experiences to the team and contribute to the project's success.

Thank you for considering me for this role.

Warm regards,
Lisa Monroe

Pros:

• Expresses gratitude and respect.
• Is suitable for a wide range of professional situations.
• Helps in building a positive relationship with the recipient.

Cons:

• Can be perceived as overly formal in more casual or familiar contexts.
• Overuse might dilute its impact in expressing genuine honor and appreciation.

Sometimes, you might want to use an alternative phrase to “I am honored” to adjust the formality of your message, or simply to add variety to your expressions of gratitude and appreciation.

12 Other Ways to Say “I Am Honored”

Looking for different ways to express your honor and gratitude? Here are some great alternatives.

1. I’m grateful

This alternative is less formal than “I am honored” but still very polite and appreciative. It’s a versatile phrase that can easily fit into professional, semi-formal, and informal settings. This makes it a great choice when you want to express gratitude in a genuine, heartfelt manner.

It’s perfect for emails, letters, or even in conversation, and works well when talking to colleagues, friends, or family. Whether you’re thanking someone for an opportunity or recognizing an act of kindness, “I’m grateful” conveys your appreciation clearly and simply. For messages where a professional tone isn’t strictly needed, we recommend this alternative.

Here’s an example:

Hello Samantha,

Thank you for including me in the planning committee. I'm grateful for the chance to contribute to our project's success.

Best,
Michael

2. I appreciate

“I appreciate” is a straightforward and polite way to express gratitude. Compared to “I am honored,” it’s slightly more informal but shares a similar level of sincerity. This synonym works well in professional emails and correspondence, albeit with a slightly more personal touch.

This alternative fits nicely when acknowledging someone’s help, support, or contribution. It’s ideal for a range of recipients—from colleagues to mentors—and is well-suited for emails and spoken communications. We recommend it when you want your message to feel personal and genuine.

Example:

Hello John,

I've just seen the results of your latest report. I appreciate the hard work you’ve put into this.

Thank you,
Dr. Lisa Hart

3. I am very thankful

Compared to “I Am Honored,” “I am very thankful” has a warmer, more personal touch. It focuses on gratitude rather than the honor itself.

This phrase is well-suited for both informal and semi-formal settings. It’s perfect when you want to express appreciation to colleagues, mentors, or friends via email or letters. This alternative is particularly effective in messages where you wish to highlight your gratitude for someone’s support or recognition.

Here’s a sample email using “I am very thankful”:

Hello Samantha,

I wanted to take a moment to express how I am very thankful for your support during the project. Your guidance was invaluable, and I couldn't have done it without you.

Warm regards,
Emily

4. This is a great honor

This alternative emphasizes the significance of the honor, making it a great synonym for “I am honored” in more formal contexts.

Use this phrase in formal communications when receiving awards or recognitions in professional settings. It’s best suited for written messages to superiors or external partners, showing your acknowledgment of the honor’s importance.

Here’s an example of how to use “This is a great honor” in an email:

Dear Committee Members,

I am writing to express my sincerest gratitude for selecting me as the recipient of this year's award. This is a great honor, and I am deeply appreciative of the recognition.

Sincerely,
Michael

5. I’m truly humbled

“I’m truly humbled” shifts the focus from the honor to the speaker’s humility in response to it, offering a modest way to accept recognition.

This expression is ideal for formal and semi-formal occasions, especially when you want to convey modesty and appreciation. It works well in acceptance speeches or in written messages to a wide audience, including peers, superiors, and professional contacts.

A sample message using “I’m truly humbled”:

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great humility that I accept this award. I'm truly humbled by the recognition and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support.

Best,
Jordan

6. I feel privileged

Using “I feel privileged” suggests that you consider the opportunity or recognition special and not something to be taken for granted.

This phrase is appropriate for formal and semi-formal messages where you wish to express gratitude or acceptance of a role, position, or award. It’s particularly effective in communications with a tone of respect and appreciation toward the giver of the honor.

Here’s a sample email using “I feel privileged”:

Hello Team,

As I step into this new role, I feel privileged to be part of such an esteemed organization and look forward to contributing to our shared goals.

Thank you,
Linda

7. It is a great privilege

Like the previous one, this phrase emphasizes the special nature of the recognition or opportunity. It’s a synonym for “I feel privileged” but adds a touch of formality.

“It is a great privilege” is best used in formal communications, particularly in written formats such as award acceptance letters or in speeches. It conveys deep respect and appreciation for the honor bestowed upon the speaker.

An example of an email using “It is a great privilege”:

Dear Board Members,

I am thrilled to accept the position. It is a great privilege to be chosen to lead our team into the next chapter.

With gratitude,
Thomas

8. I am deeply grateful

This alternative conveys a profound sense of gratitude, making it slightly more personal and heartfelt than simply saying “I Am Honored.”

It is versatile, fitting well in both formal and informal communications. This phrase is particularly powerful when you want to express sincere thanks and appreciation in response to support, guidance, or recognition.

A sample email demonstrating “I am deeply grateful”:

Dear Professor Wilson,

Thank you for your letter of recommendation. I am deeply grateful for your support and belief in my abilities.

Sincerely,
Alex

9. I am truly honored

This is a direct variation of “I Am Honored,” maintaining a formal tone while adding a touch of sincerity.

This alternative is suitable for formal contexts, such as accepting awards or positions. It effectively conveys honor and gratitude while also acknowledging the significance of the recognition or opportunity.

Here’s how you could use “I am truly honored” in a message:

Dear Awards Committee,

I am overwhelmed by the decision to award me this distinction. I am truly honored to receive such a prestigious recognition.

Kind regards,
Sophia

10. I feel genuinely proud

This expression highlights personal pride and satisfaction, making it a bit more self-reflective than “I Am Honored.”

Best suited for informal to semi-formal settings, “I feel genuinely proud” is perfect for messages to close colleagues, team members, or in personal announcements. It expresses a personal achievement or recognition in a humble yet proud manner.

An email example using “I feel genuinely proud”:

Dear Friends and Family,

As I share this moment with you, I feel genuinely proud of what we've achieved together. This award is not just mine but ours.

Cheers,
Evan

11. I am incredibly pleased

“I am incredibly pleased” offers a way to express satisfaction and happiness with a recognition or opportunity, with a slightly more casual tone than “I am honored.”

This phrase is well-suited for informal and semi-formal messages. It’s great for communicating with a team, peers, or in a less traditional professional setting. It effectively conveys happiness and contentment.

Example:

Dear Team,

With the project's completion, I am incredibly pleased with the outcome and our hard work. Thank you all for your dedication.

Best,
Oliver

12. I am deeply touched

When compared to “I am honored,” “I am deeply touched” carries more emotional weight and is best used in situations where you wish to express a profound impact. It’s great for conveying heartfelt thanks and appreciation, making it slightly more informal but very polite.

This phrase is particularly effective when you’re responding to a personal favor, gesture, or support. Ideal for close colleagues, friends, or family, it can be used in personal letters, emails, or verbal thank-yous. When the intent is to convey deep emotional gratitude, this alternative shines.

Here’s a sample:

Dear Aunt Marie,

Your thoughtful gift for my graduation left me speechless. I am deeply touched by your support throughout my studies.

Love,
Emily

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to express honor and gratitude is crucial for making a lasting impression. The 12 alternatives we’ve discussed offer a range of options to fit various contexts and relationships. By understanding which phrases to use and when, you can communicate your feelings more clearly and appropriately.