are an exceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are an exceptional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that stands out positively in a particular context. Example: "The candidates we interviewed are an exceptional group, each bringing unique skills to the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Haitians are an exceptional people.

The New Yorker

Glass floats are an exceptional variety of ocean trash.

The New York Times

Large rooms fitted into the turrets, which sleep four, are an exceptional value at $115.

The New York Times - Travel

This is an exceptional situation but we are an exceptional people.

The Guardian

Americans need, and want, to continue to believe that they are an "exceptional" nation, a special people.

The New York Times

The games are "an exceptional opportunity" to show that Rio is a "modernised" city of thriving businesses, he says.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This was an exceptional marriage".

The New York Times - Books

"America is an exceptional nation".

The New York Times

"It is an exceptional signature".

The New York Times - Arts

"Arsène is an exceptional physiologist.

Independent

"It is an exceptional property".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group or team, use "are an exceptional" to highlight their collective outstanding qualities or performance. For instance, "The candidates we interviewed are an exceptional group, each bringing unique skills to the table."

Common error

Avoid using "are an exceptional" when describing commonplace situations or average achievements. Reserve it for instances where genuine distinction is evident. Overusing it can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are an exceptional" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a plural subject to describe a quality that sets them apart. As Ludwig AI suggests, it underscores the outstanding or remarkable nature of the subject. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe teams, individuals, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are an exceptional" is a versatile phrase used to describe the outstanding or extraordinary qualities of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. It is primarily used to convey admiration and highlight noteworthy attributes. Remember to reserve this expression for situations where genuine distinction is evident to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. Consider using alternative phrases such as "are an outstanding" or "are a remarkable" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are a remarkable

Replaces "exceptional" with "remarkable", suggesting something worthy of attention but perhaps less extraordinary.

are an outstanding

Uses "outstanding" instead of "exceptional", implying something that stands out from others in a positive way.

are a notable

Substitutes "exceptional" with "notable", indicating something worthy of being noticed or remembered.

are a distinguished

Replaces "exceptional" with "distinguished", implying something that has achieved recognition for excellence.

are a unique

Replaces "exceptional" with "unique", emphasizing the distinctiveness of something.

are a special

Uses "special" instead of "exceptional", indicating something cherished or distinct.

are a top-notch

Replaces "exceptional" with "top-notch", suggesting something of very high quality or excellence.

are a singular

Substitutes "exceptional" with "singular", suggesting something that is one of a kind.

are a premier

Substitutes "exceptional" with "premier", suggesting something of the highest quality or rank.

are a choice

Uses "choice" instead of "exceptional", indicating something of superior quality that has been selected.

FAQs

How can I use "are an exceptional" in a sentence?

The phrase "are an exceptional" is used to describe something or someone that is notably outstanding or extraordinary. For example, "The athletes competing in the Paralympics are an exceptional group of individuals."

What phrases are similar to "are an exceptional"?

Similar phrases include "are an outstanding", "are a remarkable", or "are a unique". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are an exceptional" or "is an exceptional"?

"Are an exceptional" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They are an exceptional team"). "Is an exceptional" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "She is an exceptional student").

What does it mean to say something or someone "are an exceptional"?

To say something or someone "are an exceptional" signifies that they possess qualities or abilities that are significantly above the norm, setting them apart in a positive way.