a pretty lady

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'a pretty lady' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts, for example "The waiter served us our meals, and the hostess was a pretty lady."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"She's a pretty lady… Oh, I don't know.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's a pretty lady," she said, admiring the neon outlines of a nude woman in stockings.

The New Yorker

("Bond-trading man gets fired of course/And the lawyer for a pretty lady files for divorce/In the Hamptons").

The New York Times

A pretty lady got on a bus at 59th Street and found a seat beside a portly man who was reading the Wall Street Journal.

The New Yorker

(For one thing, no lifting of the hat next morning to a pretty lady the handsome young buck had flirted with the night before).

The New York Times

A pretty lady, frizzled bangs and long corkscrew curls, taffeta ball gown, rhinestone tiara, gaudy scepter, across her chest a banner: Miss St . Louis

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Membership, which could be extended or revoked on the spot, was predicated on the capacity to tolerate Belcher's trademark combination of high camp and extreme rudeness: men of late middle age were referred to using the feminine pronoun (as in "She's not a very pretty lady, is she?") and "cunty" was deployed as a term of endearment.

The Guardian - Arts

"Would there be a Mr. Pretty Lady in this house?" he asks, trying to sweet-talk Regina.

The New York Times - Books

"She was a very pretty lady, men would run after her, so I understand why there were rumors," said one of the proprietors of the language school.

The New York Times

When her daughter was born, in 1966, she named her Callista because "before I got married I worked at the Merchants Bank in Winona, Minnesota, and the president's wife's name was Callista, and she was the nicest lady, a very pretty lady".

The New Yorker

She didn't seem that special, she just seemed like a nice, pretty lady trying to sell some furniture.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pretty lady" when you want to convey a generally positive and appreciative sentiment about a woman's appearance without being overly effusive or formal.

Common error

Avoid using "a pretty lady" in formal or professional settings where it might be perceived as patronizing or objectifying. Opt for more neutral terms like "a respected colleague" or "an accomplished professional."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pretty lady" primarily functions as a noun phrase used to describe a woman considered attractive. This descriptive function is evident in the Ludwig examples, where the phrase is used to depict someone's physical appearance in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pretty lady" is a common noun phrase used to describe an attractive woman, generally expressing admiration or appreciation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across varied sources, notably in news and media. While widely acceptable, it's important to consider the context, avoiding overuse in formal settings where it could be deemed inappropriate. Alternatives like "a beautiful lady" or "an attractive woman" can provide nuanced variations, ensuring your language remains both expressive and suitable for the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beautiful lady

Emphasizes a higher degree of attractiveness than "pretty".

an attractive woman

More general, focusing on overall appeal rather than just prettiness.

a lovely woman

Highlights the pleasing or delightful qualities of the woman.

a gorgeous woman

Implies a very high level of physical attractiveness; more intense than "pretty".

a charming woman

Focuses on personality and demeanor contributing to her appeal.

a comely woman

A more archaic or literary term for attractive; less commonly used.

a winsome woman

Emphasizes her engaging and delightful qualities; suggests a captivating nature.

a fair lady

A classic and somewhat formal term for a beautiful woman.

a bonny lass

A Scottish term for a pretty girl or young woman.

a cute girl

Indicates a youthful and charming attractiveness.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a pretty lady"?

You can use alternatives like "a beautiful lady", "an attractive woman", or "a lovely woman" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a pretty lady" in professional settings?

The appropriateness of using "a pretty lady" in professional settings depends on the context and your relationship with the person. In many formal environments, it may be seen as inappropriate or even offensive. It's often better to use neutral terms that focus on their professional qualities.

What is the difference between "a pretty lady" and "a beautiful lady"?

While both phrases describe an attractive woman, "beautiful" often suggests a higher degree of attractiveness than "pretty". "Pretty" implies a more delicate or charming appearance, while "beautiful" conveys a more profound or striking attractiveness.

How can I use the phrase "a pretty lady" in a sentence?

You can use "a pretty lady" to describe someone's appearance in a positive and appreciative way. For example, "He noticed "a pretty lady" sitting across the room and decided to introduce himself."