extraordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'extraordinary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is remarkable or outstanding. For example: "The results of the experiment were extraordinary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress.

The Guardian - Sport

That is extraordinary.

The New York Times

"It was an extraordinary moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.

The Guardian

Thank you for your extraordinary service to our country, and best wishes for continued success in the important endeavors that lie ahead for our country and our Agency.

The Guardian

What happened next was extraordinary.

The Guardian - Sport

"These are extraordinary times.

The New York Times

Despite the extraordinary welling up of outrage around the Davis execution, prisoners have continued to be executed steadily over the past 12 months.

The Guardian

As that drone floated surreally over the Belgrade pitch on 14 October, sparking the extraordinary mayhem that followed on the pitch, it was just the latest incident to make that stance look naive at best and dangerous at worst.

The Guardian - Sport

But how many of us have seen the extraordinary and moving tribute that remarkable woman made herself at the funeral of one of the murdered cartoonists?

The Guardian

This state of affairs is doubly extraordinary because, unlike the 1930s or late 19th century, there is a welfare state – even if it is under assault from the coalition – which thankfully underwrites collective demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extraordinary" to describe something that goes beyond the ordinary in a positive and impactful way. It is suitable when you want to emphasize the exceptional nature of something, whether it be a talent, an event, or a quality.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinary" to describe commonplace situations or occurrences. Reserve it for truly remarkable instances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "extraordinary" primarily functions as an attributive adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as highly unusual or exceptional. Ludwig's examples showcase its consistent use in emphasizing the remarkable qualities of people, events, or achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "extraordinary" is a versatile and frequently used term to describe something that is exceptional or remarkable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and enhances writing by emphasizing unique qualities. It appears most often in news and media, lifestyle, and sports contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant its impactful meaning, avoiding overuse in mundane contexts. Related terms include "remarkable", "exceptional", and "uncommon", each offering slightly different nuances of exceptionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthiness and memorability of something.

exceptional

Emphasizes being an exception to the norm, often implying superiority.

outstanding

Focuses on the superior quality and prominence of something.

phenomenal

Suggests something is outstanding and impressive, like a phenomenon.

amazing

Highlights the capacity to cause great surprise or wonder.

uncommon

Highlights the rarity and infrequency of something.

unparalleled

Indicates that something has no equal or comparison.

unmatched

Suggests that something cannot be equaled or surpassed.

singular

Stresses the uniqueness and distinctiveness of something.

prodigious

Emphasizes the great size or extent of something.

FAQs

How can I use "extraordinary" in a sentence?

You can use "extraordinary" to describe something exceptional or remarkable. For example, "She demonstrated "extraordinary talent" at a young age" or "The rescue team performed an "extraordinary feat" of bravery".

What are some synonyms for "extraordinary"?

Synonyms for "extraordinary" include "remarkable", "exceptional", "uncommon", and "amazing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an extraordinary" or "a extraordinary"?

It is correct to say "an extraordinary" because "extraordinary" begins with a vowel sound. Use "an" before words starting with a vowel sound and "a" before words starting with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "extraordinary" and "ordinary"?

"Extraordinary" means beyond what is ordinary or usual, while "ordinary" refers to something that is common or typical. "Extraordinary" implies a higher degree of remarkableness.