a work of art

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a work of art" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to any type of artistic creation, such as a painting, sculpture, or piece of music. Here is an example of how it could be used in a sentence: "The newly unveiled statue was truly a work of art, with its intricate details and lifelike qualities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A work of art?

The New Yorker

It's a work of art.

Independent

WHAT constitutes a work of art?

The Economist

"People consider this a work of art.

The New York Times

The stations are a work of art.

The New Yorker

Or like a work of art.

The New York Times

They're "a work of art," Nick said.

The New York Times

This walk was a work of art.

The Guardian

Is a work of art ever complete?

The New York Times

"A work of art," Guy said.

The New Yorker

I'm not a work of art.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a work of art" to describe something that demonstrates exceptional creativity, skill, and aesthetic value. The phrase can apply to diverse subjects beyond traditional art forms, such as culinary creations or innovative designs.

Common error

Avoid using "a work of art" to describe everyday or mundane items that lack significant artistic merit or creative input. Reserve the phrase for instances where genuine artistry is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a work of art" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies something as possessing artistic merit or exceptional quality, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a work of art" is a common and versatile expression used to describe anything that exhibits exceptional creativity, skill, and aesthetic value. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, media, and even scientific discussions. While alternatives like "a masterpiece" or "an artistic creation" exist, "a work of art" remains a widely understood and appreciated way to express admiration for something truly remarkable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a masterpiece

Emphasizes exceptional skill and is often used for creations of recognized greatness.

an artistic creation

Focuses on the creative process and the resulting artifact.

a visual delight

Specifically refers to visually appealing art, shifting focus to the aesthetic experience.

a creative endeavor

Highlights the effort and intention behind the artistic piece, rather than its inherent value.

an aesthetic triumph

Stresses the success in achieving beauty and artistic merit.

a skilled composition

Focuses on the technical proficiency and arrangement of elements in the artwork.

a thing of beauty

A more general term emphasizing the beauty of something, not necessarily art.

a marvel to behold

Highlights the wondrous and impressive nature of the artwork, emphasizing the viewer's experience.

a brilliant piece

Emphasizes the high level of intelligence and skill involved in creating the artwork.

an inspired creation

Suggests that the artwork was born from a moment of creative inspiration or divine influence.

FAQs

How can I use "a work of art" in a sentence?

You can use "a work of art" to describe anything from paintings and sculptures to dishes and buildings. For example: "The chef's meticulously plated dessert was truly a work of art".

What's a good alternative to "a work of art"?

Alternatives include "a masterpiece", "an artistic creation", or "a visual delight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe something functional as "a work of art"?

Yes, if the object demonstrates exceptional design and craftsmanship. For instance, a well-designed car or a beautifully engineered machine could be considered "a work of art".

What distinguishes something that is "a work of art" from something that is simply well-made?

While well-made items exhibit quality craftsmanship, "a work of art" goes further by demonstrating significant creative expression, aesthetic value, and the ability to evoke emotion or thought.