in brilliant form

USAGE SUMMARY

"in brilliant form" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing (including abstract concepts) that is doing exceptionally well. For example: "The team has been in brilliant form lately, winning three out of four games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Ben Slater's career-best 148 helped set a target of 273 but Ben Duckett (70 off 56 balls, and averaging 130 in his last seven List A innings) was again in brilliant form before Josh Cobb (88) and Richard Keogh (63 not out) saw them home with eight overs in hand.

The Guardian - Sport

No one's been in brilliant form but, then, it is still the first week.

The Guardian - Sport

We knew she was in brilliant form, despite the setbacks, but in the shot put she stuttered.

The Guardian - Sport

It seems unfair to single out any one of these dancers, since Tuesday's performance showed them all in brilliant form.

The New York Times - Arts

The Celta Vigo forward and occasional Spanish international, has been in brilliant form this season with eight goals and five assists.

Independent

Beale was in brilliant form, relaunching his career at this level with a series of runs and passes, and now with his place-kicking.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But this being football... 12.11pm GMT Gary Cotterill is in absolutely brilliant form today.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were off good balls" [the correct response – they were, yet Tamim was in such brilliant form that this could not deter him].

The Guardian - Sport

With Mark Cavendish entering the race in such brilliant form, it's a genuine disappointment he will not go wheel-to-wheel against his German rival Marcel Kittel in this year's Tour following his season of illness and injury.

The Guardian - Sport

The lowly mollusk should rightly be credited with creating the world's first beach house in the brilliant form of the seashell, that Cambrian-era dwelling that today is sometimes prized and polished, and sometimes trampled underfoot.

The New York Times

In a brilliant form of storytelling, "Twenty-Two" recounthethe same day as last week's "Men Get Strong" but follows Edgar instead of Gretchen and Jimmy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context: While generally appropriate, this phrase might be too informal for highly academic or technical writing. Consider a more precise term if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "in brilliant form" to describe static objects or situations that don't involve performance or activity. For example, it would be odd to say "the building was in brilliant form"; instead, use adjectives like "magnificent" or "stunning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in brilliant form" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of exceptional performance or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for describing both people and things (including abstract concepts) that are doing exceptionally well. Ludwig's examples show it applies to sports teams, actors, and more.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in brilliant form" is an adjective phrase used to describe something or someone performing exceptionally well. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, particularly when discussing sports or arts. While grammatically sound, it is slightly informal and might not be suitable for highly academic writing. Consider alternatives like "in excellent shape" or "performing optimally" for more formal settings. Remember to use it to describe performances or conditions, not static objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in excellent shape

Indicates a state of very good condition or performance, focusing on overall condition.

at the peak of their game

Emphasizes being at the highest point of one's ability or performance.

in top condition

Highlights the superior state of readiness or fitness.

in fine fettle

An idiomatic expression denoting good health and spirits; more informal.

on top of their form

Focuses on the highest level of performance that someone can achieve.

performing exceptionally well

Describes the act of doing something to a very high standard.

at their best

A simple way of saying someone is performing as well as they possibly can.

in tip-top shape

Similar to "in excellent shape" but slightly more informal.

functioning optimally

Suggests that something is working as efficiently as it was designed to.

doing wonders

Implies remarkable achievement or effectiveness in a particular activity.

FAQs

How can I use "in brilliant form" in a sentence?

You can use "in brilliant form" to describe someone or something that is performing exceptionally well. For example, "The team is "in brilliant form" this season" or "The actor was "in brilliant form" during the play".

What are some alternatives to "in brilliant form"?

Some alternatives to "in brilliant form" include "in excellent shape", "at the peak of their game", or "performing exceptionally well", depending on the context.

Is "in brilliant form" too informal for academic writing?

While "in brilliant form" is generally acceptable, it might be considered slightly informal for highly academic or technical writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "performing optimally" or "demonstrating superior proficiency".

When should I not use "in brilliant form"?

Avoid using "in brilliant form" to describe static objects or situations that do not involve performance or activity. It is more appropriate for describing actions, performances, or conditions where something is actively excelling.