exceptionally

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'exceptionally' is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is significantly better than what is expected or typical. Example: The students performed exceptionally well on their final exams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intent on offering his condolences and meeting Abdullah's successor in person, Obama led an exceptionally high-powered delegation to Riyadh that included former secretaries of state, past presidential candidates and senior military commanders.

The Guardian

The director's biggest ever hit, Vera Drake, enjoyed an exceptionally sustained run, eventually reaching £2.38m.

The Guardian - Film

While standards of living are in general exceptionally high, Qatar is not yet paradise on earth: ask gays, who risk the death penalty, and foreign workers, who have been grossly abused.

The Guardian

Jonathan Portes, former chief economist at the Department for Work and Pensions and now director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, said: "This was an exceptionally influential and widely cited paper, and George Osborne has repeatedly made clear that Ken Rogoff, who he has frequently met, has been very influential on his thinking".

The Guardian

Later, in the only bar in town, we stocked up on Patricia - the country's favourite beer and another great reason to visit - as Uruguay played Peru in an exceptionally violent friendly football match.

The Guardian - Travel

It was an "exceptionally strong performance" in the words of the Guardian film reviewer Peter Bradshaw.

The Guardian - Film

"Mr Belgiorno-Nettis AM, and members of the Belgiorno-Nettis family, are outstanding Australians and exceptionally generous arts patrons.

The Guardian

"(They) now face exceptionally serious charges of hooliganism and piracy, accusations with no merit in either Russian or international law.

The Guardian

As well as locking in decades of some of the dirtiest fossil fuel production, extraction is an exceptionally carbon intensive process.

The Guardian

After seeing it a second time at Wyndham's and talking about it to exceptionally bright American students, I was forced to revise my opinion that Lydia Wilson's Kate was a quietly manipulative Lady Macbeth in the making.

The Guardian

Because if we do not act to stem the onslaught of this exceptionally dangerous terrorist movement, it will only grow stronger until it can target us on the streets of Britain".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "exceptionally". It is best suited for situations where you want to highlight something truly remarkable, rather than merely average.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptionally" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for instances where you truly want to emphasize something extraordinary. Overusing it may make your writing sound hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "exceptionally" primarily functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to emphasize the degree of a quality or action. Ludwig shows its use in contexts needing strong emphasis, signaling that something stands out significantly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptionally" functions as an intensifier, highlighting qualities or actions that go beyond the ordinary. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and frequently used. While suitable for various contexts, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "remarkably" or "unusually" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances. Avoid overuse and consider the specific context to ensure the most effective communication. The term is predominantly found in news and media, signaling its relevance in conveying standout qualities in current events and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably

This term also suggests something noteworthy or outstanding, with a high degree of similarity in conveying emphasis.

unusually

Indicates a deviation from the norm, highlighting how something is not typical, much like "exceptionally".

extraordinarily

Implies something beyond the ordinary, stressing a high degree of quality or effect.

particularly

Indicates a specific focus on something, emphasizing its noteworthiness compared to others.

especially

Similar to "particularly", it denotes something that stands out from the rest in a noticeable way.

decidedly

Implies a clear and unambiguous difference, pointing out a distinct characteristic.

distinctly

Highlights a notable difference, focusing on clear and recognizable uniqueness.

singularly

Stresses the uniqueness of something, setting it apart as one of a kind.

uncommonly

Signifies rarity or infrequency, emphasizing how something deviates from the usual.

unprecedentedly

Describes something that has never happened before, marking its unique and notable nature.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptionally" in a sentence?

Use "exceptionally" to modify adjectives or adverbs, emphasizing the degree to which something possesses a particular quality. For example, "The team performed "exceptionally well"" or "She is an "exceptionally talented" artist".

What are some synonyms for "exceptionally"?

Alternatives to "exceptionally" include "remarkably", "unusually", "extraordinarily", "particularly", and "especially". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "exceptionally" or "very"?

"Exceptionally" implies a higher degree than "very". Use "exceptionally" when you want to emphasize that something is significantly beyond the norm, whereas "very" is suitable for more moderate emphasis. For instance, "She is "very skilled"" versus "She is "exceptionally skilled"".

When should I avoid using "exceptionally"?

Avoid using "exceptionally" in overly formal or technical contexts where a more neutral or precise term might be more appropriate. Also, be mindful of overuse, as it can diminish the impact of the word.