a work of genius

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a work of genius" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something which is very skillfully and cleverly created or done. Example sentence: Her speech at the awards ceremony was a work of genius.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is a work of genius.

Independent

Esquire called it a work of genius.

The New York Times - Books

A work of genius".

The Guardian - Music

Because it is a work of genius.

The Guardian - Music

To me, it is a work of genius.

Cornell University

Why spend time tinkering about with a work of genius?

The Guardian - Music

Eero Saarinen, the most distinguished of the competition judges, called the design "a work of genius".

The New Yorker

Simply, beautifully, a work of genius that is at the same time impossible to put down.

Princeton University

That the deal the government had negotiated was a work of genius incompetence and broken promises.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it made the adaptation of Pete Dexter's superlative novel The Paperboy look like a work of genius.

The Guardian

Middlemarch was immediately recognised as a work of genius, and secured Eliot's place high in the pantheon of English fiction.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a work of genius" when you want to express that something is exceptionally creative, innovative, or skillfully executed. Ensure the context aligns with genuine admiration and not mere exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "a work of genius" to describe everyday achievements or tasks. This dilutes the impact and reduces its effectiveness when applied to truly exceptional creations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a work of genius" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object to describe something possessing exceptional skill and originality. Ludwig examples show it applied to various fields, including literature, music, and architecture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a work of genius" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe creations of exceptional skill, originality, and impact. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it signifies profound admiration. To avoid misuse, remember its weight; reserve it for genuinely extraordinary accomplishments rather than everyday achievements. Alternative expressions such as ""a masterpiece"" or ""a brilliant creation"" offer similar nuanced meanings. By considering these points, you can effectively and appropriately use the phrase to give praise when it's properly deserved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a masterpiece

Focuses on the exceptional quality and lasting impact of the work.

a brilliant creation

Emphasizes the cleverness and inventiveness behind the work.

an ingenious piece

Highlights the cleverness and originality of the work.

a stroke of brilliance

Suggests a sudden and remarkable moment of insight or skill.

an exceptional achievement

Focuses on the high level of accomplishment demonstrated by the work.

a remarkable feat

Emphasizes the difficulty and skill involved in creating the work.

a visionary project

Highlights the innovative and forward-thinking nature of the work.

a groundbreaking endeavor

Focuses on the innovative and precedent-setting nature of the work.

a magnum opus

Refers to the most important or best work of an artist or creator.

a tour de force

Highlights the exceptional skill and technique displayed in the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "a work of genius" to describe a piece of art, literature, music, or any creation that demonstrates exceptional skill and originality. For example, "Shakespeare's Hamlet is widely considered "a work of genius"".

What are some alternatives to "a work of genius"?

Alternatives include "a masterpiece", "a brilliant creation", or "an ingenious piece", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "a work of genius"?

While you could technically describe a person's work as "a work of genius", it is more common to say that a person created "a work of genius". Describing the person directly might sound awkward. Instead, consider saying they possess genius-level talent.

What distinguishes "a work of genius" from simply "good work"?

"A work of genius" implies not only high quality but also exceptional originality, innovation, and lasting impact. It goes beyond mere competence to demonstrate extraordinary insight and skill, exceeding what constitutes simply "good work".