everything but ordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything but ordinary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptional or extraordinary, emphasizing that it stands out from the norm. Example: "Her performance was everything but ordinary; it captivated the audience from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He got rid of the company's headquarters -- in which senior executives worked on top floors with lovely views of everything but ordinary workers -- and moved everyone into a building that he more or less designed to maximize face-to-face encounters between employees of every level.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Corporations affect the quality of food, water, medicine, savings, news and almost everything else, but ordinary people have little say in controlling and directing them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm not expecting hedge funders who lost everything to come here, but ordinary people have to have a life".

The New Yorker

More ordinary is the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink Baby Ciao salad that's much like a cold antipasto-green salad hybrid.

The New York Times

"Everything looked ordinary, maybe too ordinary, more like odd or funny, but not really funny, sort of flat".

The New York Times - Arts

As Don DeLillo has written, "A conspiracy is everything that ordinary life is not.

The New Yorker

From the NHS, to housing to higher education, the coalition is a threat to everything that ordinary people fought for and won in the 20th century.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can capture a dichotomy; that sickening understanding that before a bomb, or a mine, or an attack from sky, everything seems ordinary, and we're safe, then it isn't and we aren't.

The Guardian - Arts

It has since emerged that some of the investors who lost everything were ordinary Italians who had allegedly been duped into buying investments that were far riskier than they believed.

The Guardian

But ordinary Mexicans could help.

The Economist

But this election is anything but ordinary.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything but ordinary" to positively emphasize the unique or exceptional characteristics of a subject, distinguishing it from the mundane or typical.

Common error

Avoid using "everything but ordinary" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything but ordinary" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to modify a noun or pronoun. It emphasizes that the subject possesses qualities that are the opposite of being commonplace or typical. The phrase often conveys a sense of uniqueness or exceptionality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "everything but ordinary" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the unique and exceptional qualities of a subject. While Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage, it's more commonly found in news and media, and less so in highly formal or scientific writing. Alternatives like "anything but typical" or "far from ordinary" can serve as close substitutes, depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, remember to employ it to positively highlight distinctive characteristics, while avoiding overuse in contexts that demand a more precise and formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything but typical

Replaces "everything" with "anything", slightly broadening the scope but maintaining the core meaning of exceptionality.

far from the usual

Shifts the emphasis to distance from the norm, using more descriptive language.

not at all ordinary

Uses a negative construction to emphasize the lack of ordinariness.

anything but commonplace

Substitutes "ordinary" with "commonplace", providing a slightly more formal tone.

exceptional in every way

Focuses on the positive aspect of being exceptional, rather than just not ordinary.

extraordinary in nature

Highlights the extraordinary essence or quality of something.

remarkable in all aspects

Emphasizes the remarkable qualities across all facets.

unconventional in style

Focuses on a departure from conventional style or approach.

distinctly unusual

Highlights the unique and uncommon character.

singular and rare

Stresses the uniqueness and infrequency of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "everything but ordinary" in a sentence?

You can use "everything but ordinary" to describe something that is exceptional or stands out. For example, "The event was "anything but ordinary"; it was a truly memorable experience".

What are some alternatives to "everything but ordinary"?

Some alternatives include "anything but typical", "far from ordinary", or simply "exceptional", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "everything but ordinary"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's a figure of speech used to emphasize that something is not at all ordinary, implying it is special or unique.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "everything but ordinary"?

It is appropriate to use "everything but ordinary" when you want to highlight that something is remarkably different or special compared to the usual or expected. It works well in descriptive writing or informal communication.