excellent shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excellent shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in very good condition or well-maintained. Example: "After months of training, I can confidently say that I am in excellent shape for the marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is in excellent shape.

The Guardian - Sport

"Looking forward, Hornby is in excellent shape.

The Guardian - Business

Other than that, I'm in excellent shape.

The New Yorker

"We're in excellent shape right now," he said.

The New York Times

"The building itself is in excellent shape," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Everybody's in excellent shape," Baffert said today from California.

The New York Times - Sports

Until then, though, Seattle are in excellent shape.

The Guardian - Sport

"Germany is in excellent shape domestically," Mr. Schmieding said.

The New York Times

The orchestra he inherited was in excellent shape.

The New York Times

A 400-square-foot studio was in excellent shape.

The New York Times

"Not all slick glass and chrome — and in excellent shape".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object or system as being in "excellent shape", specify what aspect of its condition is excellent. For example, instead of saying "The car is in excellent shape", say "The car's engine is in excellent shape" or "The car's body is in excellent shape."

Common error

Avoid using "excellent shape" as a vague descriptor without providing context. Saying "The project is in excellent shape" without detailing which elements are well-managed or ahead of schedule lacks clarity. Instead, specify areas of success, such as "The project is in excellent shape regarding budget adherence and resource allocation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excellent shape" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is in a very good or optimal condition. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excellent shape" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something in very good condition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, demonstrating its versatility. When using "excellent shape", ensure to provide specific context for clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "top-notch condition" or "prime form" for nuanced expression. By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize "excellent shape" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top-notch condition

Emphasizes the superior quality of the condition.

prime form

Focuses on the peak or optimal state of fitness or condition.

tip-top condition

A more informal way of saying something is in excellent condition.

splendid condition

Highlights the impressive nature of the state.

impeccable state

Stresses the flawless nature of the condition.

superb fitness

Specifically refers to a high level of physical fitness.

outstanding trim

Describes a well-maintained or finely tuned state.

great physical condition

More specific, focusing on physical well-being.

sound condition

Focuses on robustness and lack of defects.

terrific trim

Implies well maintained and fit.

FAQs

How can I use "excellent shape" in a sentence?

You can use "excellent shape" to describe the condition of something, such as "The building is in "excellent shape" after the renovation" or to describe someone's physical condition, such as "After training, he was in "excellent shape" for the marathon".

What is a more formal alternative to "excellent shape"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "prime condition", "impeccable state", or "superior condition".

Can "excellent shape" refer to abstract concepts like a company's financial health?

Yes, "excellent shape" can describe abstract concepts. For example, you might say, "The company's finances are in "excellent shape"" to indicate its strong financial standing. Another way to say this could be, "The business is in "sound financial condition"."

Is it correct to say "in an excellent shape" instead of "in excellent shape"?

No, the correct phrasing is "in excellent shape". The article "an" is not needed because "shape" is used in a general, non-countable sense in this phrase.