a breathtaking view

USAGE SUMMARY

"a breathtaking view" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a stunning or awe-inspiring sight or scenery. Example: As I reached the top of the mountain, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the vast valley below and the sun setting behind the distant peaks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a breathtaking view.

The New York Times - Travel

It has a breathtaking view of Hudson River.

The New York Times - Travel

It offers a breathtaking view from east and west coasts.

The Guardian - Travel

Dessert was served in the main hall, which had a breathtaking view.

The New York Times - Travel

A breathtaking view of low-forming clouds in the quaint volcanic town of Baños.

Yale University

The nuns had a breathtaking view of Lisbon and the Tagus River.

The Washington Post

Located on the Homer Spit, it has a breathtaking view with casual, comfortable seating.

The New York Times - Travel

Upon arriving, partygoers were treated to a breathtaking view of the city.

The New York Times - Arts

Imagine a neighbor's garage in front of a breathtaking view of a distant mountaintop.

The New York Times

From the reception area, there is a breathtaking view of Central Park.

The New York Times

We met for dinner and Teton Ale at Dornan's, a restaurant with a breathtaking view of the peaks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a breathtaking view" when you want to emphasize the emotional impact of a particularly stunning or awe-inspiring scene. It works well in travel writing, descriptive narratives, and marketing materials to evoke a sense of wonder and excitement in the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a breathtaking view" to describe everyday or mildly pleasant scenes. This dilutes the phrase's impact. Reserve it for truly exceptional and memorable sights to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a breathtaking view" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particularly impressive or beautiful scene. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to describe something stunning. The adjective "breathtaking" modifies the noun "view", emphasizing the view's impact and emotional effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a breathtaking view" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a visually stunning and emotionally impactful scene. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, the phrase serves to evoke awe and wonder in the reader or listener. When writing, reserve it for truly exceptional sights to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like ""a stunning vista"" or ""an awe-inspiring panorama"" for variety. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stunning vista

Replaces "view" with "vista", emphasizing a wide and impressive scene, and "breathtaking" with "stunning", a more direct expression of beauty. The meaning is largely preserved, with a slight shift in emphasis.

an awe-inspiring panorama

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the view, using "awe-inspiring" instead of "breathtaking". "Panorama" suggests a wide, unbroken view. Changes the emotional tone slightly, amplifying the sense of wonder.

a magnificent spectacle

Shifts the focus to the grandeur and impressiveness of the scene, using "spectacle" instead of "view". It implies a sense of performance or display. Introduces a theatrical connotation.

a glorious sight

Focuses on the beauty and splendor of the view, using "glorious" instead of "breathtaking", suggesting radiance or divine beauty. Adjusts the descriptive tone toward something exceptionally beautiful.

an incredible scene

Uses a more casual and generally appreciative tone. "Incredible" replaces "breathtaking", softening the impact. This alternative is less dramatic and more versatile.

an impressive outlook

Changes "view" to "outlook", suggesting a broader perspective, while retaining the sense of grandeur with "impressive". Shifts slightly toward a more evaluative sense.

a remarkable prospect

Replaces "view" with "prospect", connoting a more forward-looking or expansive vista. "Remarkable" emphasizes the exceptional quality. Introduces a subtle sense of anticipation or possibility.

an extraordinary landscape

Shifts the focus to the physical features of the land. The term "landscape" highlights the composition of natural elements, using "extraordinary" to convey beauty and significance.

a striking perspective

Emphasizes the uniqueness and impact of the viewpoint, using "striking" to replace "breathtaking". Shifts toward highlighting a unique position or angle.

a wondrous vista

Emphasizes the magical and surprising nature of the view, replacing "breathtaking" with "wondrous". It's less common and more evocative.

FAQs

How can I use "a breathtaking view" in a sentence?

You can use "a breathtaking view" to describe landscapes, cityscapes, or any scene that evokes a sense of awe. For example, "From the summit, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley below."

What can I say instead of "a breathtaking view"?

You can use alternatives like "a stunning vista", "an awe-inspiring panorama", or "a glorious sight" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a breathtaking view that took my breath away"?

Yes, saying "a breathtaking view that took my breath away" is redundant. The word "breathtaking" already implies that the view is so stunning it could metaphorically take your breath away. Simply use "a breathtaking view".

What makes a view "breathtaking"?

A view is typically considered "breathtaking" when it possesses exceptional beauty, grandeur, or uniqueness. It often involves expansive landscapes, dramatic natural formations, or striking visual elements that inspire awe and wonder.