an outstanding work

USAGE SUMMARY

"an outstanding work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to something that is of very high quality or highly impressive. For example: "The author's new novel is an outstanding work. It is undoubtedly one of the best books of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It isn't just a milestone, it's an outstanding work: funny, insightful, beautifully shot and heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Film

Fukasaku's film maybe can't maintain the sheer exhilarating rush of its first thirty minutes, but it's an outstanding work nevertheless.

The Guardian - Film

Critics commented on the novel's timeless depiction of wartime trauma; the chair of the judges, philosopher A.C. Grayling, described it as an "outstanding work of literature".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is an outstanding work of literary excellence - a brilliant twist on the tale of the Pied Piper that is funny and irreverent, but also dark and subversive".

The Guardian

She has a strong all-court game, good athleticism and an outstanding work ethic and, though she does not possess a killer shot, she has no obvious weakness.

The Guardian - Sport

Of the many masses he wrote, Missa a due cori (also known as Missa Hispanica; 1786) is an outstanding work for orchestra and vocal soloists, and his Requiem of 1771 influenced Mozart's own famous Requiem of 1791.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The philosopher AC Grayling, who chaired the judges, called his book "an absolutely superb novel, a really outstanding work of literature".

The Guardian - Books

"For the depth of its research, the quality of the writing and the sheer richness and vibrancy of the material, this is a quite outstanding work of social history," Dominic Sandbrook declared in the Daily Telegraph.

The Guardian - Books

But "San Miguel" is perhaps too faithful to the true story of its protagonists to be a truly outstanding work of art".

Huffington Post

"An A should mean outstanding work; it should not be the default grade," Mr. Perrin said.

The New York Times

He writes on their behalf: a German doctor leaving Hamburg for Shanghai; a Polish seamstress who does outstanding work; an old regimental colleague facing deportation from Switzerland.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an outstanding work" to describe accomplishments that demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, or effort. It's particularly effective when highlighting achievements in artistic, academic, or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "an outstanding work" to describe ordinary or commonplace achievements. This phrase carries a strong connotation of excellence, so reserve it for truly remarkable instances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outstanding work" functions as a noun phrase complemented by an adjective, used to describe something of exceptional quality or merit. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an outstanding work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for denoting something of exceptional quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, highlighting significant achievements. While versatile, it's best reserved for truly remarkable instances to maintain its impact. Related phrases include "a remarkable achievement" and "an exceptional creation", offering nuanced ways to express admiration. When using this phrase, remember its formality and use it to give emphasis to things that really deserve it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable achievement

Emphasizes the accomplishment aspect more strongly.

an exceptional creation

Highlights the creative or innovative nature of the work.

a noteworthy piece

Focuses on the work's significance and attention-worthiness.

a superior effort

Stresses the high level of exertion and quality invested.

an admirable accomplishment

Highlights the praiseworthy aspect of the accomplishment.

a magnificent piece of work

Emphasizes grandeur and artistry.

a stellar performance

Suggests brilliance and excellence, often in the context of a live performance.

a praiseworthy endeavor

Highlights the commendable effort and intent behind the work.

a first-rate production

Indicates top quality and professional execution.

a top-tier creation

Implies the work is among the best in its category.

FAQs

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

You can use "an outstanding work" to describe something of exceptional quality. For example, "The museum showcased "an outstanding work of art" by a local artist".

What are some alternatives to "an outstanding work"?

Some alternatives to "an outstanding work" include "a remarkable achievement", "an exceptional creation", or "a noteworthy piece".

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

Yes, "an outstanding work" is suitable for formal writing. Its tone is professional and complimentary, making it appropriate for academic papers, business reports, and other formal contexts.

What distinguishes "an outstanding work" from "a good work"?

"An outstanding work" implies a level of excellence that goes beyond merely "a good work". It suggests exceptional quality, skill, and impact, indicating a higher degree of achievement.