are outstanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are outstanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone of a particularly high quality. For example: "The results of the student's hard work are outstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The battles are outstanding.

The Guardian - Film

Desserts are outstanding.

The New York Times

Those warrants are outstanding.

The New York Times

They are outstanding.

Independent

These are outstanding moves.

The New York Times

Two performances are outstanding.

The Guardian

These players are outstanding.

The New York Times - Arts

The results are outstanding.

The Guardian

The freshmen are outstanding.

The New York Times - Sports

You guys are outstanding!

The New York Times

None, however, are outstanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are outstanding" to describe something or someone that significantly exceeds expectations or performs at a very high level. Ensure that the context clearly supports this positive evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "are outstanding" for things that are merely adequate or average. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can make your writing sound hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are outstanding" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its exceptional quality or performance. Ludwig examples show its use in evaluating diverse subjects, from artistic performances to academic achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are outstanding" is a versatile and widely used expression to describe something of exceptional quality or performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a strong positive evaluation to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Consider alternatives like "are exceptional" or "are remarkable" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid overuse in unremarkable contexts to maintain the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are exceptional

Emphasizes rarity and superior quality.

are remarkable

Highlights noteworthy or extraordinary aspects.

are excellent

Focuses on high quality and competence.

are superb

Indicates top-notch quality and skill.

are first-rate

Emphasizes high class and quality.

are top-notch

Highlights being among the best.

are impressive

Focuses on making a strong positive impact.

are extraordinary

Highlights being beyond the ordinary.

are magnificent

Indicates grandeur and exceptional beauty.

are world-class

Emphasizes achieving the highest international standards.

FAQs

How can I use "are outstanding" in a sentence?

You can use "are outstanding" to describe qualities, performances, or achievements that are exceptionally good. For example, "The student's grades are outstanding" or "The band's performance was outstanding".

What are some alternatives to "are outstanding"?

You can use alternatives like "are exceptional", "are remarkable", or "are excellent" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it appropriate to use "are outstanding" in formal writing?

Yes, "are outstanding" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize the exceptional quality or performance of something. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong descriptor.

What's the difference between "are outstanding" and "are good"?

"Are good" is a general positive assessment, while "are outstanding" indicates a significantly higher level of quality or performance. Using "are outstanding" implies that something is notably better than average.