artistic flourish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'artistic flourish' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'artistic flourish' to describe something that has been beautifully and artistically crafted. For example, you could say, "The film was shot with an artistic flourish that immediately captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Hassan signed each of the 44 columns with an artistic flourish.

The Guardian

Henri Matisse's final artistic flourish – the colourful cut-outs he created as his health declined – are being brought together for the first time.

Independent

Then, when they get there, they affix their nose plugs and perform short dance routines — this is called deck work — that generally end in a kind of unexpected tableau vivant, with them posing together in an artistic flourish.

The New York Times - Sports

"When you do an artistic flourish like that, to describe it, to explain it, to take the piss out of it would invalidate the whole stroke in the first place".

The Guardian - Film

"OK, we need John the Bookie in there, yep, and the diet pills, for sure, but when will the inflatable penis scene take place?" In a poignant artistic flourish, maybe they'll start at the scene of Warne's first day job, delivering beds for Forty Winks, and perhaps end at his aborted rendezvous with Brynne Edelsten in May.

The Guardian - Sport

But Anthony does more: building upon his investigation into the historical crimes of segregation and contempt for the city's black residents, he turns a concluding sequence of civic pride and good cheer into a brilliantly light-hearted fantasy of grave import, a radical political utopia conjured with a deft artistic flourish.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Yet Magna Carta has no such artistic flourishes.

Independent

Pohlad speaks of the film's artistic flourishes with awe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those photos are plainly documentary, without notable artistic flourishes.

The New York Times - Arts

He is also fond of adding artistic flourishes to his buildings.

The New York Times

The building's spaces are pragmatic; only the lobby indulges in artistic flourishes, and even that space serves multiple purposes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "artistic flourish" when you want to describe a visually striking or creatively executed element that adds character and sophistication to something, be it writing, design, or performance.

Common error

Avoid using "artistic flourish" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and objective language depending on your intent and target.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "artistic flourish" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it describes a decorative or creative element added for stylistic effect. Examples show its use in describing visual arts, writing, and performance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "artistic flourish" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a creative or decorative element that enhances something's appeal. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's most frequently found in news and media, used to highlight distinctive artistic qualities. While generally acceptable, it should be used judiciously in highly formal contexts, with synonyms like "stylistic element" or "decorative accent" as alternatives. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is both correct and effectively usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

artistic embellishment

A close synonym, simply replacing 'flourish' with 'embellishment'.

artistic touch

Focuses on the artistic quality of simple additions.

stylistic flourish

Swaps "artistic" with "stylistic," emphasizing distinct style.

creative embellishment

Emphasizes the creative aspect of the addition or decoration.

creative flair

Highlights the stylishness and originality of the artistic contribution.

decorative touch

Focuses on the aesthetic and ornamental nature of the addition.

decorative accent

Focuses on the element that provides emphasis and enhances the overall appearance.

stylistic element

Highlights the characteristic style or manner in which something is done.

imaginative addition

Stresses the innovative and inventive quality of the added feature.

ornamental detail

Points to the intricate and decorative particulars.

FAQs

How can I use "artistic flourish" in a sentence?

You can use "artistic flourish" to describe a decorative or creative element added to something. For instance, "The painting was completed with a final "artistic flourish" that brought it to life."

What are some alternatives to "artistic flourish"?

Alternatives include "creative embellishment", "decorative touch", or "stylistic element", depending on the context.

Is "artistic flourish" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "artistic flourish" might be too informal for highly technical or academic contexts. Consider using more precise language or a synonym such as "stylistic flourish" or "decorative accent".

What does "artistic flourish" typically describe?

It usually describes a visually striking or creative element that adds character or sophistication to something, like a piece of writing, a design, or a performance. It suggests intentionality and skill in the addition of the element.