Stunning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Stunning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is extremely impressive or beautiful. An example is: "The view from the mountain was stunning." Alternative expressions include "breathtaking" and "gorgeous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Stunning" was Nick Clegg's word, and it would be churlish to deny what, for him, is a moment of almighty relief.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's stunning.

The New York Times

Delicate cous cous, fragrant with toasted almonds and confit lemons, sits in a clean white bowl into which is placed lobster tails and stunning shellfish bisque.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Salmond's stunning victory in May 2011 had made a referendum inevitable, but its details were yet to be determined.

The Guardian

State is back in the Sweet 16, attacking one of the top teams in the nation for 40 minutes and stunning Villanova 71-68 on Saturday night.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no traffic on the island so the best way to explore the stunning Byzantine monasteries and Greek Orthodox churches is by bike or horse-drawn carriage.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a tough hike and you need a map and compass but the rewards are stunning: views across shimmering waters to the isles of Rhum, Eigg and Skye, where the entire Cuillin ridge stands tall.

The Guardian - Travel

Words cannot convey the scale of a view that is so stunning it is felt.

The Guardian - Books

The judges said the, "consistent deliveries of stunning photography, in-depth analysis and respected columnists has become the hallmark across all the Guardian's media platforms".

The Guardian

Not so much an apartment as a stunning private house.

The Guardian - Travel

Viewers with a Google connected TV will have access, straight from their Google homepage, to the Guardian's award-winning journalism, stunning picture galleries and rich multimedia content in a format especially adapted for TV.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stunning" to describe something that is exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or surprising. It is effective in contexts where you want to convey a strong positive reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "stunning" to describe ordinary or unremarkable things. Overusing the word can diminish its impact when describing something truly extraordinary.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stunning" is that of an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or surprising. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Travel

17%

Sport

13%

Less common in

Film

5%

Books

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stunning" functions as an adjective to denote something exceptionally impressive or beautiful. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and enjoys very common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, travel writing, and sports reporting. While versatile, overuse in mundane contexts should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "breathtaking" and "gorgeous" offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Therefore, employ "stunning" judiciously to effectively convey awe and admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breathtaking

Implies a sense of awe and amazement, often associated with scenic beauty.

gorgeous

Refers to something very beautiful or attractive, often related to appearance.

spectacular

Suggests something grand and impressive, often on a large scale.

magnificent

Conveys a sense of grandeur and splendor, often used for architecture or art.

remarkable

Highlights something noteworthy or unusual, standing out from the ordinary.

astonishing

Highlights the unexpected and surprising nature of something.

impressive

Indicates a positive impact and admiration, often due to skill or quality.

striking

Emphasizes something that immediately grabs attention due to its distinctiveness.

exquisite

Implies delicate beauty and refined craftsmanship.

sensational

Indicates something that causes great excitement and interest.

FAQs

How can I use "stunning" in a sentence?

You can use "stunning" to describe something exceptionally beautiful or impressive. For example, "The sunset over the ocean was stunning".

What words can I use instead of "stunning"?

You can use alternatives like "breathtaking", "spectacular", or "gorgeous" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "stunning" in formal writing?

While "stunning" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "remarkable" or "impressive" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "stunning" and "amazing"?

"Stunning" typically implies beauty or impressiveness that overwhelms the senses, while "amazing" suggests surprise or wonder. Something can be both, but they emphasize different aspects of the experience.