exceptional person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who stands out due to their remarkable qualities, skills, or achievements. Example: "She is an exceptional person who consistently goes above and beyond in her work and community service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

She's rather an exceptional person.

The New Yorker

She was an exceptional person.

The Guardian

Idi Amin was never an exceptional person.

The New York Times

"He's an exceptional person," he said of Mr. White.

The New York Times

He was an exceptional person and will be missed.

The New York Times

"She is an exceptional person," Ms. Hanson said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

We must stand in the shoulders of giants – the exceptional persons from all ethnicities and walks of life – who have built the infrastructure and conceived the principles that make this the exceptional country that it is, an continue moving forward on the path they have laid out for us.

The Guardian - Opinion

He helped him navigate meetings with investors, took him to visit Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, and set him up with lawyers to get him an O-1 visa, for exceptional persons, which might allow him to stay in the U.S. Ternovskiy planned a trip to Las Vegas and bought a bike, a nice one, for twenty-four hundollarsllars.

The New Yorker

Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress 1990 "Exceptional Persons" and "Superintendent, Sunday School".

Huffington Post

In his statement, Mr. Liu ignored Mr. Pan and singled out Ms. Hou for praise, saying that he continued to "believe in Jenny being a good person and exceptional individual".

The New York Times

It is the exceptional individual, that rare person with a driving need to shake up the status quo, who generates success in business.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptional person" when you want to highlight someone's unique and outstanding qualities or achievements. It suggests they are significantly above average in some way.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional person" to describe someone who is merely competent or average. Reserve it for individuals who truly stand out.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional person" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "exceptional" modifies the noun "person". Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It typically serves to highlight someone's outstanding qualities or abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exceptional person" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an individual with outstanding qualities. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous real-world examples shows that it's most commonly found in News & Media, where it serves to highlight individuals of note. While versatile, it's best reserved for those who genuinely stand out, avoiding overuse in mundane contexts. Alternatives such as "remarkable individual" or "extraordinary person" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Always use the phrase to give the right level of impact and admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable individual

Focuses on the unique qualities of the person.

extraordinary individual

Emphasizes the person's outstanding nature.

outstanding person

Highlights the person's superiority in a specific area or overall.

singular individual

Stresses the person's uniqueness and rarity.

uncommon person

Highlights the person's deviation from the ordinary.

notable person

Emphasizes the person's recognition and importance.

distinguished person

Highlights the person's respected and admired status.

gifted individual

Focuses on the person's innate talents and abilities.

talented person

Highlights a person's skill, specifically in one area.

admirable person

Emphasizes the person's worthiness of respect and praise.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptional person" to describe someone who possesses unique skills or qualities, as in "She is an "exceptional person" known for her dedication and innovation."

What are some alternatives to saying "exceptional person"?

Alternatives include "remarkable individual", "extraordinary person", or "outstanding person", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe someone as an "exceptional person"?

While grammatically correct, describing someone as an "exceptional person" should be reserved for individuals who genuinely demonstrate remarkable qualities or achievements. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

What's the difference between an "exceptional person" and an "average person"?

An "exceptional person" stands out due to their unique talents, skills, or character, while an "average person" exhibits qualities and abilities typical of most people in a given population. The phrase "average person" does not imply low skill.