a brilliant year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant year" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a year that was exceptionally good or successful in some way. Example: "After all the hard work and dedication, we can confidently say that 2022 was a brilliant year for our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"We've had a brilliant year so far.

Independent

The captain has not had a brilliant year.

Independent

"It has been a good but not a brilliant year," said our panel.

The Guardian

It was a brilliant year and I met some of my best friends there.

The Guardian

Trizia Fiorellino ChelseaSupportersGroup.net Looking at it rationally, it's been a brilliant year for Palace.

The Guardian - Sport

2012 was nearly a brilliant year at St James' Park but it could well end rather uncomfortably.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"It's been amazing, a really brilliant year and came at a crucial time when I had just finished my first draft of Trespass so it gave me time and space to explore and think and write," said Barnard.

The Guardian - Film

It's been an exceptionally brilliant year.

The Guardian

Müller's brilliant year continued apace.

The Guardian - Sport

I have been at Everton 10 years and it's been a brilliant 10 years.

The Guardian - Sport

That might explain why a brilliant 58-year-old scholar with almost one degree for every year of his life can't talk down a less educated cop trying to do his difficult job in the scholar's own home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brilliant year", ensure that the context clearly supports the positive assessment. Provide specific examples or details to justify why the year is considered brilliant.

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant year" as a generic compliment. Ensure the year genuinely warrants such high praise by offering concrete evidence of success, achievement, or positive developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant year" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "year". It typically serves as a subject complement or part of an adverbial phrase indicating a period characterized by exceptional success or positive events. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brilliant year" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a period marked by significant achievements and positive outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's particularly common in News & Media, as well as Formal & Business contexts. To maximize clarity and impact, ensure that the context provides specific details supporting the positive assessment of the year. While alternatives like "an exceptional year" or "a fantastic year" exist, "a brilliant year" remains a potent and versatile choice for expressing genuine admiration for a year's success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional year

Replaces "brilliant" with "exceptional", indicating a year that stands out above others.

a fantastic year

Substitutes "brilliant" with "fantastic", conveying a sense of great enjoyment and success.

a remarkable year

Replaces "brilliant" with "remarkable", highlighting the year's notable achievements and events.

an outstanding year

Uses "outstanding" instead of "brilliant" to emphasize the year's superior qualities.

a superb year

Swaps "brilliant" for "superb", suggesting a year of excellent quality and performance.

a tremendous year

Changes "brilliant" to "tremendous", indicating a year of significant impact and success.

a stellar year

Replaces "brilliant" with "stellar", conveying a sense of shining success and achievement.

a banner year

Substitutes the entire phrase with "a banner year", a more idiomatic expression for a year of great success.

a golden year

Replaces "brilliant" with "golden", implying a year of immense value and opportunity.

a successful year

Changes "brilliant" to "successful", focusing on the achievements and positive outcomes of the year.

FAQs

How can I use "a brilliant year" in a sentence?

You can use "a brilliant year" to describe a period marked by significant success or achievement. For example: "The company experienced "a brilliant year", with record profits and expansion into new markets."

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

You can use alternatives like "an exceptional year", "a fantastic year", or "a remarkable year" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a brilliant year" formal or informal?

"A brilliant year" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What makes a year qualify as "a brilliant year"?

A year can be considered ""a brilliant year"" when it is marked by outstanding achievements, significant progress, or exceptional positive outcomes compared to previous years or expectations.