a brilliant cook

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant cook" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled at cooking. Example: "My grandmother was a brilliant cook, known for her delicious homemade meals that brought the family together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Originally from Ipoh, Malaysia Profession: Full-time mum, previously an assistant hotel manager Lives: With her husband and 17-month-old daughter Background: Her mother was a brilliant cook, but she didn't start getting into cooking herself until she moved to Oxford for university 14 years ago.

Independent

That's a pity, because Purnell is a brilliant cook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her son describes her variously as scatty, emotional, distant, incompetent and a brilliant cook.

The New York Times - Books

In the meantime, he's happy to put a spotlight on someone who, "unlike me, is a brilliant cook".

The New York Times - Arts

My boyfriend is a brilliant cook: a smearer of butter, a sprinkler of salt, a marinader of meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was a brilliant cook, very domesticated, more so than my mother had been – so there were no worries about him starving or smelling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

If you're anything but a perfectly brilliant cook yourself, you don't want to arbitrate what looks like an argument between two master chefs; this book will make you do that, and maybe even try to combine their suggestions into one dish, and then pretty much panic and probably ruin what should've been a relatively simple chicken.

The New Yorker

Some were things that had belonged to her grandmother – a brilliant home cook who had run a house at the age of 12 – and the rest were foraged from junk shops, like most of the other things we had.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Those antelope with the little pointed horns," I asked my friend Tim Boyd later that day at the kitchen table in the ranch house where he cooks some of the best barbecue I've ever eaten, "who owns them?" "Nobody owns them -- they're wild," said Tim, a former Marine Corps helicopter crew chief in Vietnam and a husky part-time cowboy, full-time ranch manager and brilliant cook.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the contrary, time and again they are startlingly competent: not just great secretaries and brilliant cooks, but also good drivers and accurate shots.

The Guardian - Books

Friends and colleagues said at the dinner, which was at SD26 in Chelsea, Mrs. Hazan was remembered as a rigorous teacher, a fond mother, a brilliant and straightforward cook and a curmudgeon on culinary matters.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a brilliant cook", be specific about what makes their cooking stand out, such as their creativity with ingredients, mastery of techniques, or ability to create memorable flavors.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is "a brilliant cook" without providing any supporting details. Show, don't tell. Describe their signature dishes or unique culinary skills to make your praise more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant cook" functions as a noun phrase, where "brilliant" modifies the noun "cook", indicating a high degree of skill or excellence in cooking. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brilliant cook" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to commend someone's exceptional cooking skills. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers various examples from reputable sources. While not the most common phrase, it is particularly prevalent in news and media, reflecting a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. When employing this phrase, consider specifying the qualities that make the cook "brilliant" to enhance its impact. Alternatives like "exceptional chef" or "talented cook" can be used to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a talented cook

Indicates general skill and talent in cooking.

a skilled chef

Emphasizes professional cooking ability and training.

an exceptional chef

Emphasizes professional cooking skill and expertise, implying formal training.

an accomplished cook

Highlights experience and proficiency in cooking.

a superb culinary artist

Highlights the artistry and high quality of their cooking.

a gifted culinary expert

Emphasizes natural aptitude and expertise in cooking.

a fantastic home chef

Focuses on cooking skills within a home environment, highlighting domestic culinary talent.

an amazing chef

Uses "amazing" to describe someone with very impressive cooking skills.

an expert in the kitchen

Highlights a person's expertise and mastery within the kitchen environment, not necessarily focused on professional cooking.

a remarkable culinary talent

Highlights natural ability and skill in the culinary arts.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "a brilliant cook"?

You can use alternatives like "an exceptional chef", "a talented cook", or "a skilled chef" depending on the context.

How can I use the phrase "a brilliant cook" in a sentence?

You can say, "My mother is a brilliant cook and always prepares delicious meals for us", or "He is a brilliant cook, known for his innovative fusion cuisine".

Is it appropriate to use "a brilliant cook" in formal writing?

While "a brilliant cook" is acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "an accomplished chef" or "a skilled culinary professional" for a more polished tone.

What qualities define someone as "a brilliant cook"?

A brilliant cook typically possesses a combination of creativity, technical skill, knowledge of ingredients, and an ability to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing.