an extraordinary work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extraordinary work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of art, literature, or any significant achievement that stands out due to its quality or impact. Example: "The museum's latest exhibit features an extraordinary work that has captivated visitors from around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Arts

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its subject may be an ordinary working life, but it is itself an extraordinary work".

The Guardian - Books

It's an extraordinary work.

The New Yorker

"I had an extraordinary work ethic.

The New York Times - Sports

"He had an extraordinary work ethic".

The New York Times

"What an extraordinary work for men!" she continued.

The New York Times - Arts

Donna Tartt has delivered an extraordinary work of fiction.

The New York Times - Books

"Todd's portrait of her mother is an extraordinary work.

The Guardian - Arts

I've just taken delivery of an extraordinary work of art.

The Guardian - Arts

Still, this is an extraordinary work, containing some of Mr. Adams's richest, most daring music.

The New York Times - Arts

NEW YORK is an exhilarating place to visit, with an extraordinary work ethic.

The Economist

This is an extraordinary work of archeology in conceptual art, full of surprises.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extraordinary work" to commend something that not only meets expectations but greatly exceeds them, demonstrating exceptional quality and impact. Tailor its usage to reflect the specific qualities you wish to highlight, such as innovation, skill, or emotional resonance.

Common error

While "an extraordinary work" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct adjectives like "great", "excellent", or "amazing" to maintain a natural and balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extraordinary work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It serves to describe a piece of art, literature, or any creation that is considered exceptional. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, which identifies it as a descriptive term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extraordinary work" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase employed to convey high praise and admiration for a creation or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable across a range of contexts, from news and media to academic writing, highlighting the exceptional qualities of the subject. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to emphasize the outstanding nature of something, and to calibrate its use according to the overall formality of your writing or conversation. Consider alternatives like "a remarkable creation" or "an exceptional piece" to add nuance or avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable creation

Replaces "extraordinary work" with synonyms that emphasize the act of creation and its noteworthy quality.

an exceptional piece

Substitutes "extraordinary" with "exceptional" and "work" with "piece", both denoting high quality.

a singular achievement

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect, highlighting its uniqueness and significance.

a brilliant accomplishment

Replaces "extraordinary" with "brilliant" to emphasize the high level of intelligence or skill demonstrated.

a magnificent undertaking

Emphasizes the grand scale and impressive nature of the endeavor.

a phenomenal effort

Highlights the immense effort involved and the resulting outstanding outcome.

a stunning masterpiece

Uses stronger terms to convey a higher level of artistic merit and impact.

a noteworthy endeavor

Highlights that the undertaking is deserving of attention and recognition.

an unprecedented feat

Emphasizes the novelty and uniqueness of the accomplishment, indicating it has never been done before.

an unparalleled creation

Stresses the supreme quality of the creation and that it has no equals.

FAQs

How can I use "an extraordinary work" in a sentence?

You can use "an extraordinary work" to describe something that is particularly impressive or of very high quality. For example, "The novel is "an extraordinary work" of literature."

What are some alternatives to "an extraordinary work"?

Some alternatives to "an extraordinary work" include "a remarkable creation", "an exceptional piece", or "a singular achievement". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "a extraordinary work" instead of "an extraordinary work"?

No, it is incorrect. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, and "extraordinary" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct phrasing is ""an extraordinary work"."

What is the difference between "an extraordinary work" and "a great work"?

"An extraordinary work" implies something surpasses ordinary expectations and is exceptionally impressive. "A great work" suggests high quality and significant impact, but not necessarily exceeding expectations to the same degree. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.