a marvel

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "a marvel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is extraordinary and amazing; an extraordinary achievement. For example: "Her academic performance was a marvel; she achieved top grades throughout the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a marvel.

The New York Times - Books

This is a marvel.

The New Yorker

That's just a marvel.

The New Yorker

He is a marvel.

The New York Times

Sometimes a marvel.

University of California, Berkeley

The clarity reveals a marvel.

The Economist

The picture is a marvel.

The New York Times - Books

She is nonetheless a marvel.

The New York Times - Arts

The book's a marvel too.

The New York Times - Books

Root is a marvel.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He's just a marvel.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marvel", consider the context. It's most effective when describing achievements, natural phenomena, or artistic creations.

Common error

Avoid using "a marvel" to describe ordinary or commonplace things. This can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Reserve it for genuinely exceptional subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marvel" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use, evidenced by numerous examples where it describes something worthy of admiration and wonder.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a marvel" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something exceptionally impressive or wondrous. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's best reserved for subjects genuinely deserving of admiration to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "a wonder" or "a remarkable feat" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wonder

Replaces "marvel" with a synonym indicating something that causes astonishment or admiration.

an amazing thing

Substitutes "marvel" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the surprising and impressive nature of something.

a remarkable feat

Emphasizes the achievement aspect of a marvel, highlighting the skill or effort involved.

an extraordinary sight

Focuses on the visual aspect of something marvelous, suggesting it is exceptionally beautiful or impressive to see.

a prodigious achievement

Replaces marvel by emphasising the extent to which a performance or achievement remarkably great.

something incredible

Replaces "marvel" with a general term for something hard to believe or exceptionally good.

a source of great admiration

Shifts the focus to the feeling evoked by the marvel, rather than the thing itself.

a true spectacle

Emphasizes the grand and impressive nature of something, suggesting it is a sight to behold.

a phenomenon

Substitutes "marvel" with another noun.

a rarity

Highlights the uncommon or unique quality of the marvel, suggesting it is not often seen or experienced.

FAQs

How can I use "a marvel" in a sentence?

You can use "a marvel" to describe something that is extremely impressive or causes great wonder. For example, "The architecture of the cathedral is "a marvel" of engineering".

What are some alternatives to saying "a marvel"?

Alternatives include "a wonder", "an amazing thing", or "a remarkable feat", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a marvel" in formal writing?

Yes, "a marvel" is suitable for formal writing when describing something truly exceptional. However, ensure the tone remains appropriate to the overall piece. Consider alternatives if the context requires a less evocative description.

What's the difference between "a marvel" and "a miracle"?

"A marvel" refers to something impressive and wondrous, often due to skill or ingenuity. "A miracle" implies a supernatural event or an extremely improbable occurrence. While both evoke amazement, "a miracle" suggests divine intervention or inexplicable luck.