a splendid sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a splendid sight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something visually impressive or beautiful that one can see. Example: "The sunset over the mountains was truly a splendid sight, leaving everyone in awe of nature's beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

On the morning of 9 January, it passes extraordinarily close to fainter Saturn – a splendid sight through a small telescope.

Independent

"It must have really been a splendid sight out in the desert six or eight days from the last water," he told The New York Times in 1992.

The New York Times

The normally poised Rodriguez slammed his helmet to the dirt, a splendid sight for the Red Sox fans who briefly adored him and now abhor him.

The New York Times - Sports

Wines are something of a Palmer specialty, and the list at his steak emporium is a splendid sight, many hundreds of entries long, with noteworthy ranges of Rhônes, super-Tuscans and Oregon pinot noirs.

The New York Times - Travel

But isn't it a splendid sight to stand upon the lofty parapets by the side of a gun as large as Barnstead Meeting house and look off upon the ocean and see first a large ocean steamship with every sail set and puffing & blowing away like a Methodist preacher, moving on the silvery surface of the water with all the majesty of a monarch".

The New York Times

You can't get to the 1879 lighthouse itself, which sits on Nubble Island across from a rocky, swiftly flowing channel, but it is certainly a splendid sight.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

All in all, she is a pretty splendid sight.

The New York Times - Magazine

And at the new RSPB reserve at Greylake, I enjoyed the splendid sight of a merlin shooting low towards me, in front of the hide.

The Guardian

I should like to report, too, that our arrival on the shores of Lake Atitlán to witness this splendid sight came after much hard trekking and bug-slapping; and that I now stood like some grizzled Bogart as the teeming rain ran down my face, bouncing over the caked rivulets of dried sweat.

The Guardian - Travel

With development restricted to a few areas, it is one of my favorite national parks to spend time in a luxury hotel overlooking the canyon, take a sightseeing tour by bus or on foot, venture down below the rim for a short hike, and eat and drink in a fine restaurant overlooking the splendid sights.

Huffington Post

We have seen splendid sights and eaten marvelous meals.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a splendid sight" when you want to convey not just that something is visible, but that it is exceptionally pleasing or impressive to look at. It adds a touch of elegance and appreciation to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a splendid sight" to describe everyday or unexceptional scenes. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to elevate a description, so reserve it for genuinely remarkable or beautiful visuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a splendid sight" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subjective complement, describing something that is visually impressive or pleasing. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it describes various scenes and objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a splendid sight" is an effective way to describe something visually impressive and pleasing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts. While its usage frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media, it offers a sophisticated means to convey admiration for notable scenery. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "a magnificent spectacle" or "a breathtaking view" to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a magnificent spectacle

Replaces 'sight' with 'spectacle', emphasizing grandeur and public display.

a breathtaking view

Focuses on the expansive and awe-inspiring nature of what is seen.

an impressive scene

Highlights the overall impact and composition of what is being viewed.

a glorious vision

Emphasizes the beauty and radiance of the visual experience.

a remarkable view

Stresses the unusual or noteworthy nature of the vista.

an exquisite panorama

Implies a wide, sweeping and finely detailed visual scene.

a striking image

Highlights the powerful and memorable quality of the visual.

a dazzling display

Emphasizes the vibrant and captivating nature of what is seen.

a picturesque scene

Suggests a scene that is aesthetically pleasing and worthy of being painted.

a captivating view

Emphasizes the ability of the scene to hold one's attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a splendid sight" in a sentence?

Use "a splendid sight" to describe something visually impressive or beautiful that one can see. For example: "The sunset over the ocean was "a splendid sight", painting the sky with vibrant colors."

What are some alternatives to "a splendid sight"?

You can use alternatives like "a magnificent spectacle", "a breathtaking view", or "an impressive scene" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a splendid sight to see"?

While grammatically sound, "a splendid sight to see" is slightly redundant. The phrase ""a splendid sight"" already implies something visually impressive, so adding "to see" is often unnecessary.

When is it appropriate to use "a splendid sight" versus "a nice view"?

"A splendid sight" suggests something particularly grand or beautiful, evoking a sense of awe or admiration. "A nice view" is more generic and suitable for less exceptional or everyday scenes.