is a sight to behold

USAGE SUMMARY

"is a sight to behold" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when talking about something beautiful or amazing, usually something that you are observing. For example: "The night sky filled with stars is a sight to behold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bill Mata in his element is a sight to behold.

The Times

Apple's new corporate campus is a sight to behold.

The New York Times - Tech

The theater, inside and out, is a sight to behold.

The New York Times

"This guy is tearing after Patrick — it is a sight to behold," Krall said.

The New York Times - Sports

Elegantly coiffed and attired in flowing, brightly colored silks, she is a sight to behold.

The New York Times

Today's full-scale freakout over a decent jobs report is a sight to behold.

The New York Times

JACKSONVILLE, Fla .— The revenge of the Republican establishment is a sight to behold.

The Washington Post

And I can't stress this enough: it really is a sight to behold.

The Guardian

The confused look on Lucky's face is a sight to behold.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Each sequence each set piece is a sight to behold.

Vice

And that set, however typical, is a sight to behold a huge jukebox of a machine that looks capable of giving vodka on the side.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a sight to behold" to describe something visually impressive or beautiful that evokes a sense of wonder or admiration. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is a sight to behold" to describe everyday or unremarkable things. This can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a sight to behold" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to emphasize the visual appeal and impressiveness of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, ranging from describing natural landscapes to artistic performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is a sight to behold" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys admiration and awe for something visually impressive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily within news and media. The phrase functions as a descriptive expression, highlighting the aesthetic qualities of a subject and evoking a sense of wonder. While versatile, it's best used to describe truly remarkable things to avoid diminishing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a sight to see

Slightly more direct and common alternative, focusing on the visual aspect.

is an impressive sight

Direct and simple, emphasizing the impressiveness of the visual.

is a spectacle to behold

Emphasizes the grandeur and impressive nature of the sight.

is a vision to behold

Highlights the beauty and almost dreamlike quality of the sight.

is a wonder to witness

Shifts focus from visual appeal to the overall awe-inspiring experience.

is a marvel to look at

Simple and direct alternative emphasizing the admiration of the visual aspect.

is something to admire

Broader term that focuses on positive evaluation, less specific to visual experiences.

is something to appreciate

Focuses on the appreciation and value one derives from observing it.

is truly remarkable

General expression of admiration, not specifically visual.

is exceptionally beautiful

Focuses specifically on the aesthetic beauty of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "is a sight to behold" in a sentence?

You can use "is a sight to behold" to describe anything visually stunning or impressive. For example, "The sunset over the mountains is a sight to behold".

What can I say instead of "is a sight to behold"?

You can use alternatives like "is a sight to see", "is a spectacle to behold", or "is a vision to behold" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is a sight to behold" and "is a sight to see"?

"Is a sight to behold" implies a greater sense of wonder and awe than "is a sight to see". The former suggests something truly remarkable, while the latter is a more general observation.

When is it appropriate to use "is a sight to behold" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "is a sight to behold" when describing something exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or awe-inspiring. It fits well in descriptive writing, travelogues, or when conveying a strong sense of admiration.