he was exceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'he was exceptional' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person or their actions in a positive way. For example, "John's work on the project was exemplary; he was exceptional in his attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He was exceptional.

Independent

"But he was exceptional.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainly, he was exceptional.

The Guardian

As a public figure he was exceptional.

The Economist

That's why he was exceptional.

The Guardian - Sport

"He was exceptional," Powell said of McShane.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"He's exceptional, just outstanding in slalom".

The New York Times - Sports

Obviously he's exceptional; an incredible voice.

Independent

He's not perfect, but he is exceptional.

The New York Times

You can see from the video he is exceptional.

The Guardian - Sport

"I really, truly think that he's exceptional as an artist".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To reinforce the impact of "he was exceptional", follow up with specific examples or details that illustrate why he stood out. For instance, instead of just saying 'He was exceptional', elaborate with 'He was exceptional in his problem-solving skills, quickly identifying and resolving issues that others missed.'

Common error

Avoid using "he was exceptional" too frequently or without clear justification. Overusing strong praise can dilute its impact and make your writing seem less credible. Always ensure the context supports such a high degree of commendation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was exceptional" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a high degree of merit or skill to an individual. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in news articles, academic papers and general conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was exceptional" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express high praise or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for written English, and the phrase enjoys common usage across various contexts, including news, formal business settings and science. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase judiciously and provide context or examples to substantiate the claim of exceptional quality. Consider alternatives like "he was outstanding" or "he was remarkable" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was outstanding

Replaces "exceptional" with a synonym indicating superior performance or quality.

he was remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthy or extraordinary nature of his actions or qualities.

he was extraordinary

Highlights that his performance or attributes went beyond the ordinary.

he was superb

A more concise and direct way of expressing that he performed excellently.

he was magnificent

Suggests a grandeur and impressiveness in his actions or qualities.

he was terrific

An informal yet strong way to express that he was very good.

he was phenomenal

Indicates that his performance or qualities were almost unbelievable.

he was unparalleled

Stresses that he had no equal in terms of his abilities or accomplishments.

he was top-notch

An informal way of saying he was of the highest quality.

he was second to none

Emphasizes that his abilities or qualities were superior to everyone else's.

FAQs

What does "he was exceptional" mean?

The phrase "he was exceptional" means that someone performed remarkably well, possessed outstanding qualities, or exceeded expectations in a significant way. It indicates a high level of praise and admiration.

What are some alternatives to "he was exceptional"?

You can use alternatives like "he was outstanding", "he was remarkable", or "he was extraordinary" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "he was exceptional" in a sentence?

You can use "he was exceptional" to describe a person's performance, skills, or qualities. For example, "His leadership during the crisis was exceptional" or "He was exceptional in his ability to connect with the audience."

Is it appropriate to use "he was exceptional" in formal writing?

Yes, "he was exceptional" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to highlight someone's superior performance or outstanding qualities. However, ensure that the context warrants such strong praise and provide specific examples to support your assessment.