an outstanding character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outstanding character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses remarkable qualities or traits, often in a positive context. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist is portrayed as an outstanding character who demonstrates bravery and integrity throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He said Purnell, a former culture secretary, was an "outstanding character" who had "hung his boots up at the door and left politics behind".

The Guardian

Edna Doré, who has died aged 92, was not only an outstanding character actor, best known for playing the battleaxe Mo Butcher, mother of Mike Reid's character, Frank Butcher, in the BBC's long-running soap EastEnders, but also an outstanding character; she was an authentic south Londoner who never lost her accent, or forthrightness, and delighted everyone she worked with.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He knows how to perk up a dressing room and he was an outstanding character to have in a cricket team.

BBC

Squadron commander Raymond Collishaw, who would finish the war as the RNAS' top-scoring ace, summed up Little as "an outstanding character, bold, aggressive and courageous, yet he was gentle and kindly.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He hasn't demonstrated any outstanding character or virtue, unless you consider studying math and being really smart intrinsically virtuous.

Huffington Post

Dr. Paige, who attended segregated schools in Mississippi, vouched for Mr. Bush as a leader of outstanding character.

The New York Times

"He is one of the more experienced members of our squad, an outstanding professional and a great character to have on the pitch and in the dressing room".

BBC

"For those four who played in this game, they showed outstanding character and professionalism and were an integral part of the win," said Howley.

BBC

Rangers General Manager Glen Sather said on the team's Web site, "He brings size and a physical presence along with good mobility and outstanding character".

The New York Times

The award is presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to a senior Division I men's player who demonstrates outstanding character, leadership, and talent.

Wikipedia

She is also the first black woman to be awarded the Wallace Scholarship, given by a Boston family in recognition of scholastic excellence and outstanding character.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an outstanding character", consider the specific qualities that make the character outstanding and try to highlight those in your description for a more impactful statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "an outstanding character" without providing specific examples of their admirable qualities. Generic descriptions lack impact and fail to truly convey the individual's exceptional nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outstanding character" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It typically serves to highlight the positive qualities and admirable traits of an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and well-understood.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an outstanding character" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe individuals possessing remarkable qualities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While relatively infrequent, its usage is prevalent in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, emphasize specific admirable traits to enhance the impact of your writing. Consider alternatives such as "a remarkable personality" or "an exceptional individual" to add nuance and precision to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable personality

Replaces character with personality, emphasizing individual traits and behaviors.

an exceptional individual

Substitutes 'outstanding' with 'exceptional' and 'character' with 'individual', highlighting uniqueness.

a person of great integrity

Focuses specifically on moral strength and honesty as defining characteristics.

an admirable figure

Replaces 'character' with 'figure', suggesting someone worthy of respect and imitation.

a noteworthy person

Emphasizes the person's significance and deserving of attention.

a distinguished individual

Highlights the person's achievements and respected status.

a stellar human being

Uses 'stellar' to amplify the positive qualities and emphasizes their humanity.

a person of high caliber

Highlights the person's superior quality and competence.

a model citizen

Emphasizes the person's exemplary behavior and contributions to society.

an exemplary person

Replaces 'outstanding' with 'exemplary', underscoring their role as a positive example.

FAQs

How can I use "an outstanding character" in a sentence?

You can use "an outstanding character" to describe a person who possesses admirable qualities such as courage, integrity, or kindness. For example, "The protagonist of the novel is "an outstanding character" known for their unwavering commitment to justice."

What are some synonyms for "an outstanding character"?

Alternatives to "an outstanding character" include "a remarkable personality", "an exceptional individual", or "a person of great integrity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "outstanding character" or "remarkable character"?

Both "outstanding character" and "remarkable character" are acceptable. "Outstanding" emphasizes prominence and excellence, while "remarkable" highlights the person's noteworthiness and distinction. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "an outstanding character" be used to describe a fictional character?

Yes, "an outstanding character" can be used to describe both real and fictional characters who exhibit admirable traits and qualities. It's a common way to praise a well-developed and compelling character in literature or film.