It is with great pleasure that

The grammar here is quite specific, so listen closely. You start with the dummy subject It, followed by the verb is. Then comes the prepositional phrase with great pleasure. Finally, you add that followed by a complete sentence (Subject + Verb). For example: It is with great pleasure that I introduce our keynote speaker. Notice how the sentence after that can stand on its own? That is the secret. If you are writing a LinkedIn post about your new job, you might say, It is with great pleasure that I announce my new role as Senior Director. It sounds much more 'boss-level' than just saying "I got a new job!" Just remember, this phrase is a package deal—don't try to leave out the It is or the that unless you want to sound like a confused Victorian ghost.

This phrase lives in the 'Very Formal' neighborhood. If formality were a mountain, this phrase would be near the snowy peak. You will see it in official press releases, wedding invitations, and graduation ceremonies. It is common in corporate emails from the CEO or in high-end customer service. Think of it as the 'black-tie' version of English. In a casual setting, like a WhatsApp group chat with your best friends, using this would likely be seen as a joke. If you texted your friend, "It is with great pleasure that I inform you I have finished my sandwich," they would probably think you've been watching too many period dramas on Netflix. Use it when you want to show maximum respect and seriousness.

You’ll find this phrase all over the professional world. In the tech industry, a company might post: It is with great pleasure that we unveil our latest smartphone. In the world of non-profits, you might hear: It is with great pleasure that we accept this generous donation. Even in academia, a dean might say: It is with great pleasure that I confer these degrees upon the class of 2026. It’s also a favorite for formal invitations. A wedding invite might read: It is with great pleasure that the Smith family invites you to the marriage of their daughter. It adds a layer of 'officialness' that simpler phrases just can't match. It's like adding a wax seal to an envelope—it makes everything feel more authentic and high-class.

Use this when the occasion feels like a milestone. It’s perfect for 'Firsts'—your first book launch, the first time you’ve been promoted to a leadership role, or the grand opening of a new business. It’s also great for public speaking. If you are the host of a webinar or a live stream and you need to introduce someone famous or respected, this phrase is your best friend. It builds anticipation. Use it when you want to sound authoritative yet gracious. It’s the perfect phrase for a LinkedIn 'Update' when you want to impress recruiters and former colleagues without sounding like you're bragging too hard. It frames your success as a 'pleasure' rather than just a 'win'.

Please, for the love of all that is holy, do not use this for bad news. It is with great pleasure that I tell you your car has been towed is a great way to start a fight. It is strictly for positive, celebratory, or prestigious news. Also, avoid using it in casual, everyday situations. Don't use it at the drive-thru, don't use it when talking to your cat, and don't use it in a casual Slack channel unless you're being intentionally funny. It can also feel a bit 'stiff' if used too often in a single speech. It’s a powerful tool, but if you use it for every small detail, it loses its magic. It’s like truffles—a little bit is luxury, too much is just overwhelming.

One of the most frequent errors is forgetting the that. People often say, ✗ It is with great pleasure I announce... While people will understand you, the that makes it grammatically 'correct' in a formal sense. Another mistake is mixing it up with It gives me great pleasure to.... While they mean the same thing, the structure is different. Don't say ✗ It is with great pleasure to announce. That’s a linguistic car crash. It’s either It is with great pleasure THAT I announce or It gives me great pleasure TO announce. Also, watch your adjectives. ✗ It is with big pleasure sounds very non-native. Stick with great, immense, or genuine. If you use 'big', people might think you're talking about a giant inflatable slide instead of a formal emotion.

If It is with great pleasure that feels a bit too long, you have options. It gives me great pleasure to... is a very close cousin. It’s slightly more active because 'gives' is a stronger verb than 'is'. Another one is I am delighted to..., which is a bit softer and more modern. If you want to go even higher in formality, you can say, It is a distinct honor and pleasure that.... On the slightly less formal side (but still professional), you might say, I am pleased to announce.... In very British contexts, you might hear It is with much pleasure that..., though great is the global standard. If you're on a Zoom call and want to keep it snappy, I'm thrilled to... is the modern, energetic alternative.

Is this phrase old-fashioned? Not really, it's just formal. Think of it like a suit—it’s not 'old', it’s 'classic'. You won’t see it in a TikTok dance caption, but you will see it in a corporate press release. Does it have to be 'great' pleasure? No, you can use immense, genuine, or sincere, but great is the most common version. Can I use it in an email? Yes, but only if the email is formal. If you're emailing your boss's boss about a big win, it's perfect. If you're emailing a teammate about lunch, it's too much. Is it used in American or British English? Both! It’s a standard across the English-speaking world for formal occasions. Can I use it to introduce myself? Usually, it's used to introduce *news* or *someone else*. Saying It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself sounds a bit like you’re a very big fan of yourself—maybe a little too much!