exceptional feat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional feat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an achievement that is remarkable or outstanding in some way. Example: "Completing a marathon in under three hours is an exceptional feat that few athletes can achieve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Sibelius achieved this effect by way of an exceptional feat of self-editing.

The New Yorker

This all-overness is an exceptional feat when you think of the place itself: a spectacle of beauty in an endless loop.

The Guardian - Arts

The raid was described as an exceptional feat yesterday as most attempts to stop piracy on the high seas usually result in captured ships being left in the hands of their hijackers because of fears for the safety of the crew.

Independent

Pat Barker on Noonday 7 September, chaired by Claire Armitstead With the Regeneration trilogy, Pat Barker created one of the most moving fictional depictions of the first world war we have; by writing about the poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, she laid real-life foundations to an exceptional feat of the imagination.

The Guardian

And when Louganis came out, he revealed he accomplished this exceptional feat as a person living with HIV.

Huffington Post

Detzner had remained at large for four years, as a fugitive in enemy-held territory: surely, Linke concluded, this was an exceptional feat.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The McQueen elongated coats and tautly fitted suits included exceptional feats of tailoring, as in suits with geometrical angles of pin-striped fabric.

The New York Times

There are several awards presented to players who perform exceptional feats during the tournament.

Wikipedia

Though it's clear that the real GRS team performed exceptional feats, "13 Hours," unlike Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper," doesn't end up portraying them with any kind of nuance.

Los Angeles Times

But the original was an exceptional couture feat, with the dress shaped to the body by seams hidden by the black lines.

The New York Times

For nearly a century, a tin trunk in a bedroom in remote country New South Wales (NSW) held the official documents and medal testifying to Richard Norman Kirby's exceptional wartime feats.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptional feat" to highlight achievements that go beyond the ordinary, demonstrating skill, effort, or innovation. It's effective in contexts where you want to emphasize the remarkable nature of an accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional feat" to describe ordinary accomplishments. This can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly remarkable achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional feat" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "exceptional" modifies the noun "feat". Ludwig confirms that it is used to describe accomplishments that are above the ordinary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional feat" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, employed to describe a remarkable or outstanding achievement. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriate for formal and informal contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, it's best used to highlight accomplishments that truly stand out, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. Alternatives such as "remarkable accomplishment" or "outstanding achievement" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable accomplishment

Replaces 'feat' with 'accomplishment', offering a more general term for achievement.

outstanding achievement

Substitutes 'exceptional' with 'outstanding', emphasizing the high quality of the achievement.

extraordinary accomplishment

Uses 'extraordinary' in place of 'exceptional', suggesting an even greater degree of impressiveness.

notable achievement

Replaces 'exceptional' with 'notable', highlighting the significance or worthiness of attention.

impressive accomplishment

Swaps 'exceptional' for 'impressive', focusing on the admiration the achievement inspires.

significant achievement

Replaces 'exceptional' with 'significant', underlining the importance or impact of the accomplishment.

considerable accomplishment

Uses 'considerable' instead of 'exceptional', indicating the magnitude or effort involved.

major accomplishment

Emphasizes the scale and importance of the achievement by using "major".

unparalleled achievement

Indicates that the achievement is unique and has no equal by using "unparalleled".

uncommon achievement

Highlights the rarity of the achievement by using "uncommon" instead of "exceptional".

FAQs

How can I use "exceptional feat" in a sentence?

Use "exceptional feat" to describe achievements that are particularly noteworthy. For example, "The athlete's record-breaking performance was an "exceptional feat" of endurance and skill."

What are some alternatives to "exceptional feat"?

You can use alternatives like "remarkable accomplishment", "outstanding achievement", or "extraordinary accomplishment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "exceptional feat" in formal writing?

Yes, "exceptional feat" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe a significant achievement. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What makes an achievement qualify as an "exceptional feat"?

An achievement qualifies as an "exceptional feat" when it demonstrates a high level of skill, effort, or innovation, and goes beyond what is typically expected or achieved. It's an accomplishment that stands out from the ordinary.