absolutely marvelous

USAGE SUMMARY

'absolutely marvelous' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express enthusiastic approval or admiration of something. For example: "The scenery was absolutely marvelous - it was like something out of a painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It's an absolutely marvelous time for Spanish football," Del Bosque said.

The New York Times - Sports

"To use it for university purposes or for town purposes would be absolutely marvelous," she said.

The New York Times

Everyone thinks you look absolutely marvelous and is desperate to know your secrets.

The New York Times - Magazine

She had a jumping stable, and, of course, you had the best places to sleep and the best equipment available and an absolutely marvelous, beautiful stable.

The New York Times

I maintain a regular exercise regimen five to seven days per week for sixty minutes, 3600 seconds and I feel absolutely marvelous.

Harvard University

Yes, it was built for the organ but Woolsey Hall can sound absolutely marvelous for a symphony orchestra — not booming and not overly resonant, if what happens?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Just to say, how absolutely bloody marvelous!" wrote a Bristol woman in her mid-40's.

The New York Times

But the menu captivates, and it is a pretty restaurant all the same: a leather-filled and pin-lighted dining room with marvelous views, absolutely in the design mold of Mr. Colicchio's other properties, though somewhat chillier in aspect.

The New York Times

But it is a pretty restaurant all the same: a leather-filled and pin-lighted dining room with marvelous views, absolutely in the design mold of Mr. Colicchio's other properties in Manhattan, though it is somewhat chillier in aspect, and with validated parking in the basement below.

The New York Times - Food

L'Wren was a total perfectionist, someone who absolutely embodied everything her marvelous clothes stood for: strength of character combined with a confident and powerful style," Vogue Editor Anna Wintour wrote on the magazine's website.

Los Angeles Times

And Jeter, who hit two balls to the warning track, looked absolutely stunned at Jennings's marvelous catch.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While generally appropriate, "absolutely marvelous" might be too effusive for very formal or critical settings.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely marvelous" excessively, especially in situations where a more neutral or understated tone is required. Overusing it can make your writing sound insincere or affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely marvelous" primarily functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, expressing a high degree of approval or admiration. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is used to convey enthusiastic sentiments. Examples show it describing performances, views, and preparations, demonstrating its versatile use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely marvelous" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that expresses enthusiastic approval. According to Ludwig, it's often used to convey genuine admiration and adds a touch of sophistication to one's language. While generally appropriate, it's important to consider the context and audience to avoid overuse. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in describing various things from performances to views. The phrase finds its primary usage in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. Alternative phrases like "utterly wonderful" or "completely splendid" can provide similar sentiments with subtle variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly wonderful

Replaces "marvelous" with "wonderful" and "absolutely" with "utterly", emphasizing a feeling of delight.

completely splendid

Substitutes "marvelous" with "splendid" and "absolutely" with "completely", offering a more formal tone.

totally magnificent

Replaces "marvelous" with "magnificent" and "absolutely" with "totally", suggesting grandeur and impressiveness.

exceptionally outstanding

Uses more formal and emphatic synonyms for both words, suitable for formal settings.

remarkably impressive

Shifts the focus to the impact something has, rather than its inherent quality, using "remarkable" as the intensifier.

simply divine

Employs a more stylized and expressive term, "divine", suggesting something is heavenly or perfect.

positively breathtaking

Focuses on the awe-inspiring aspect, emphasizing the visual or emotional impact.

genuinely superb

Highlights the authentic and high-quality nature of something, using "genuinely" to reinforce sincerity.

unquestionably excellent

Asserts the high quality without doubt, emphasizing certainty.

truly exceptional

Underscores the rarity and special nature of something, moving away from simple admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely marvelous" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely marvelous" to describe something you find exceptionally pleasing or impressive. For example, "The performance was absolutely marvelous" or "The view from the summit was absolutely marvelous".

What are some alternatives to "absolutely marvelous"?

Alternatives include phrases like "utterly wonderful", "completely splendid", or "totally magnificent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "absolutely marvelous" too formal for casual conversation?

While "absolutely marvelous" isn't strictly formal, it's more elevated than everyday speech. In casual conversations, consider simpler alternatives like "amazing" or "great".

Is it correct to say "marvelous absolutely" instead of "absolutely marvelous"?

No, the correct word order is "absolutely marvelous". Placing "absolutely" after "marvelous" sounds unnatural and violates standard English grammar rules for adverbs modifying adjectives.