an outstanding student

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outstanding student" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a student who excels academically or demonstrates exceptional qualities in their studies. Example: "She has consistently demonstrated her abilities and is recognized as an outstanding student in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No wonder he isn't an outstanding student.

The New York Times - Arts

He studied physics there, but was not an outstanding student.

The Guardian

He was not an outstanding student, but he was regarded as disciplined and reliable.

The New Yorker

She's not only an outstanding athlete, she's an outstanding student, which makes me even more proud".

The New York Times - Sports

Childhood friends said he was an outstanding student at Public School 160.

The New York Times

She was an outstanding student who finished high school at sixteen.

The New York Times

"He is an outstanding student who represents the best of Tulane in every possible way," the statement said.

Independent

The school has established the E. Donald Shapiro Memorial Scholarship for an outstanding student in health law.

The New York Times

"Gogol is an outstanding student, curious and coöperative," his teachers write year after year on report cards.

The New Yorker

"I've always been a very studious man, not an outstanding student, but I read a lot, especially history.

The New Yorker

Despite a childhood spinal injury, Lyautey was an outstanding student and entered the Saint-Cyr Military Academy in 1873.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing recommendations or references, use "an outstanding student" to highlight a student's exceptional qualities beyond just grades, such as leadership, initiative, or unique skills.

Common error

Avoid using "an outstanding student" excessively in a single document. Vary your language by using synonyms like "exceptional student" or "remarkable student" to maintain the impact and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outstanding student" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "outstanding" modifies the noun "student". It serves to describe a student possessing exceptional qualities and abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an outstanding student" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a student with exceptional qualities. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable. It is commonly found in news, academic, and formal business contexts, serving to highlight a student's achievements and potential. When using this phrase, consider varying your vocabulary to avoid repetition and ensure your writing remains impactful. Alternatives like "an exceptional scholar" or "a remarkable pupil" may be appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptional scholar

This alternative emphasizes academic achievement and scholarly qualities.

a remarkable pupil

This alternative focuses on the student's potential and noteworthy qualities as a learner.

a brilliant mind

This alternative highlights the student's intellectual capacity and intelligence.

a gifted learner

This alternative underscores the student's natural talent and innate abilities in learning.

a top-performing student

This alternative focuses on the student's high academic performance compared to peers.

an accomplished student

This alternative highlights the student's achievements and successes in their studies.

a high-achieving scholar

This alternative combines both academic performance and scholarly attributes.

a promising student

This alternative emphasizes the student's potential for future success and accomplishments.

an exemplary student

This alternative highlights the student's demonstration of behaviors and achievement that are worthy of imitation.

a standout student

This alternative simply emphasizes the student's distinction from their peers.

FAQs

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

You can use "an outstanding student" to describe someone who excels academically and demonstrates exceptional qualities. For example: "She is "an outstanding student" in mathematics and a leader in the debate club."

What are some synonyms for "an outstanding student"?

Alternatives include "an exceptional student", "a remarkable pupil", or "a gifted learner", depending on the context and the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "an outstanding student" in formal writing?

Yes, "an outstanding student" is appropriate for formal writing, such as academic reports, recommendation letters, and professional correspondence. It clearly and effectively conveys exceptional merit.

What qualities define "an outstanding student"?

An "outstanding student" typically exhibits strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, a dedication to learning, and often demonstrates leadership or contributes positively to their academic community. It's not solely based on grades, but also on character and potential.