a stunning thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stunning thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is visually impressive or remarkable. Example: "The sunset over the ocean was truly a stunning thing, leaving everyone in awe of its beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's really a stunning thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rejection was hardly surprising but is still a stunning thing.

The New York Times

I thought it was a stunning thing to do, to go and just refuse to leave.

The Guardian

The exposed frame is a stunning thing, a kind of giant spider's web protruding in several unlikely directions.

The Guardian - Arts

Now, they gave us a special award and I'm thrilled, but that's a stunning thing Barry Humphries is doing.

The New York Times

"It's kind of a stunning thing to watch the way this has unfolded, at least to date," said David Axelrod, one of Mr. Obama's longtime advisers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

That seems to be a really stunning thing to admit publicly, and perhaps might have come as a surprise to coal miners ― who might otherwise have assumed they've been working in an environment in which safety concerns are, in fact, being responded to.

HuffPost

"It's a really stunning thing".

The New Yorker

"It's a very stunning thing, and I encourage everybody to look at the study," Gates said.

Forbes

It's a stunning museum, but the most stunning thing is sitting in a darkened room and listening to an audio of a routine hearing underway at the nearby Oklahoma Water Resources Board, and then hearing the actual explosion and confusion that followed.

Huffington Post

The most stunning thing about a small department store's worth of clothing coming to life isn't the telling of a mugging gone wrong but rather the staggeringly real sense of movement and action.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stunning thing" to describe something that elicits strong positive emotions like awe, admiration, or surprise. The phrase is most effective when the subject is genuinely remarkable.

Common error

Avoid using "a stunning thing" to describe commonplace or unremarkable situations. This can dilute the phrase's impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stunning thing" primarily functions as a subjective description, often acting as a noun phrase complement. It serves to qualify a noun, expressing an opinion about its striking or impressive quality, as Ludwig AI points out.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stunning thing" is a phrase used to express admiration or awe for something remarkably impressive. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media sources. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations genuinely deserving of the descriptor to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "a breathtaking sight" or "a remarkable occurrence" depending on the specific context to add nuance to your writing. Avoid overuse in mundane situations for maximum effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a breathtaking sight

"Breathtaking sight" highlights the visual beauty and overwhelming impact of what is being observed.

an awe-inspiring spectacle

This alternative emphasizes the visual grandeur and ability to inspire awe in the observer.

a magnificent display

This highlights the grandeur and elaborate nature of what is being presented or observed.

a remarkable occurrence

This alternative replaces the subjective adjective "stunning" with "remarkable", focusing on the noteworthiness of the event.

a striking development

"Striking development" emphasizes the sudden and noticeable nature of a change or unfolding situation.

an extraordinary happening

"Extraordinary happening" focuses on the unusual and exceptional nature of the event.

a wondrous event

"Wondrous event" suggests a sense of awe and amazement, emphasizing the magical or extraordinary quality.

a phenomenal incident

This option suggests something that is highly exceptional and beyond the ordinary.

an impressive phenomenon

Using "impressive phenomenon" shifts the focus to the observable or scientific aspect of the "thing".

an exceptional case

This focuses on how the instance stands out from similar situations because of its quality.

FAQs

How can I use "a stunning thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a stunning thing" to describe an object, event, or achievement that is visually impressive or remarkably surprising. For example, "The magician's final act was a stunning thing to witness".

What can I say instead of "a stunning thing"?

You can use alternatives like "a breathtaking sight", "a remarkable occurrence", or "an awe-inspiring spectacle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a stunning thing" in formal writing?

While "a stunning thing" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "an impressive phenomenon" or "an exceptional achievement" in academic or professional contexts for greater precision and formality.

What's the difference between "a stunning thing" and "a surprising thing"?

"A stunning thing" emphasizes beauty and impressiveness, while "a surprising thing" focuses on unexpectedness. A stunning thing evokes admiration, while a surprising thing evokes curiosity or disbelief.