be outstanding at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be outstanding at" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone’s exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Example: She is outstanding at solving complex mathematical problems. Alternative expressions include "excel at" and "be excellent in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A Hall of Fame offensive lineman should be outstanding at run and pass blocking, for instance.

The New York Times - Sports

"They'll usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do".

Independent

Biden seemed to be winging his stump speech — he'd be outstanding at one stop, disjointed at the next.

The New Yorker

Biden seemed to be winging his stump speech he'd be outstanding at one stop, disjointed at the next.

The New Yorker

Ms. Bair would also be outstanding at the S.E.C. – although the country would be well served if she were to become our next Treasury secretary.

The New York Times

Candidates will need to be outstanding at mental arithmetic and be blessed with an ability to think fast on their feet.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He's outstanding at pretty much everything".

The New York Times - Sports

"Broad was outstanding (at Durham).

The Guardian - Sport

She was outstanding at the ADC [Amateur Dramatic Club].

The Guardian - Film

Ronny Turiaf was outstanding at times in November, before injuries slowed him.

The New York Times - Sports

Evans is outstanding at disengaging from defeated defensive linemen to quickly reach a linebacker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be outstanding at", ensure that the specific area of expertise is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "She is outstanding at data analysis" is more effective than "She is outstanding".

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding at" as a generic compliment without specifying the skill or area. Instead of saying "He's outstanding", clarify what he excels at, such as "He's outstanding at project management" or "He's outstanding at communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be outstanding at" functions as a descriptive expression, characterizing someone's exceptional ability or skill in a particular domain. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules. Examples show its use in describing expertise across various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be outstanding at" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its frequency across various sources—particularly news and media—indicates its versatility. While suitable for professional and neutral registers, ensure the specific area of expertise is clearly identified when using the phrase. Alternatives like "excel in" or "shine at" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. The expert rating and the abundance of real-world examples, as shown in Ludwig, reinforce its appropriateness in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excel in

Focuses on achieving a high level of performance, suggesting a natural talent or developed skill.

shine at

Implies a remarkable and noticeable level of skill, often associated with a competitive or public setting.

be proficient in

Suggests a high degree of competence and skill acquired through training or practice.

be adept at

Emphasizes skillfulness and quickness in performing a task, implying a natural inclination.

be skilled in

Highlights the possession of specific abilities developed through experience and learning.

be masterful in

Conveys exceptional skill and control, suggesting a high level of expertise and artistry.

be remarkable at

Focuses on the quality of being worthy of attention or notice, emphasizing the exceptional nature of the skill.

be gifted in

Implies a natural talent or innate ability that enables exceptional performance.

be a virtuoso at

Suggests exceptional technical skill and artistry, often associated with musical or artistic performance.

dominate in

Implies a superior skill level that allows one to control or strongly influence a situation or field.

FAQs

How can I use "be outstanding at" in a sentence?

Use "be outstanding at" to describe someone's exceptional skill or talent in a specific area. For example: "She is "outstanding at" solving complex mathematical problems".

What are some alternatives to saying "be outstanding at"?

You can use alternatives such as "excel in", "shine at", or "be proficient in" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be outstanding in" or "be outstanding at"?

"Be outstanding at" is generally preferred when referring to a specific skill or activity. "Be outstanding in" is more commonly used to describe a general field or subject, although its use is less frequent than "be outstanding at".

What's the difference between "be outstanding at" and "be good at"?

"Be outstanding at" implies a higher level of skill and expertise than "be good at". While "be good at" suggests competence, "be outstanding at" suggests exceptional talent and performance.