literary flair

USAGE SUMMARY

"literary flair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe somebody's writing style or skill. For example, you could say, "She has a real literary flair that makes her stories really stand out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But there is literary flair to the language as well.

The New York Times - Books

Only later did they appreciate the import of what they had witnessed.History owes much to John Hay's literary flair.

The Economist

All four nominees - Adam Foulds, Nikita Lalwani, Robert Macfarlane and James McConnachie - write with pace, panache and literary flair.

The Times

Justice Sotomayor turns out to be a writer of depth and literary flair, a surprise to readers of her judicial prose.

The New York Times

You are especially adept at evoking the human experience lying behind the ideologies of imperial and modern China, through sensitive biographies expressed with great literary flair.

Yale University

Chris Beckett brings literary flair and sociological insight to his award-winning science fiction, and his seventh novel, Beneath the World, a Sea (Corvus, £17.99), is no exception.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

For most of his operas Leoncavallo was his own librettist and showed a distinct literary ability and a flair for theatrical effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To do cinematic justice to Salman Rushdie's novel "Midnight's Children," it would take a razzle-dazzle entertainer with Bollywood flair and a literary bent, someone equally at home with comedy and allegory, ghosts and little snot-nosed boys, Indian history and Indian myth.

The New York Times

(Holden) 'Midnight's Children' (No rating, 2 20, in English and Hindi) To do cinematic justice to Salman Rushdie's novel "Midnight's Children," it would take a entertainer with Bollywood flair and a literary bent; that is, a directorial equivalent of Mr. Rushdie would need to be conjured.

The New York Times

Mr. Balint credits Commentary, founded by Elliot Cohen in 1945, with helping to incubate a "new style of literary criticism," practiced by contributors like Lionel Trilling, Irving Howe and Alfred Kazin, which he describes as "an urgent style that combined scholarly rigor with journalistic flair".

The New York Times

But his ambition, they said, was leavened with a touch of the poet, not someone with great literary promise but someone with more than an ordinary flair for a rhyme.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literary flair" to describe writing that is not only informative but also demonstrates creativity, style, and a unique voice.

Common error

Avoid using "literary flair" when describing purely technical or scientific writing where clarity and precision are paramount. Focus on accuracy and conciseness instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary flair" functions as a noun phrase that describes a quality or characteristic. It often modifies a person or their work, indicating a distinctive and skillful writing style, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary flair" describes a distinctive, skillful, and artistic writing style. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various reputable sources. It's most frequently found in news and media, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, remember that it suggests not just competence, but a captivating and creative use of language. Related terms include "writing talent" and "knack for words", offering alternative ways to describe exceptional writing abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

writing talent

Focuses on inherent ability in writing.

gift for writing

Emphasizes the natural, innate quality of the writing skill.

knack for words

Highlights a special, intuitive skill with language.

skillful writing

Focuses on the technical proficiency and expertise in writing.

artistic writing

Emphasizes the aesthetic and creative aspect of writing.

elegant prose

Highlights the refined and graceful quality of the writing style.

expressive writing

Focuses on the ability to convey emotions and ideas effectively through writing.

polished writing style

Emphasizes the refined and perfected nature of the writing.

distinctive voice

Highlights a unique and recognizable writing style.

mastery of language

Focuses on comprehensive command and expert use of language.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's writing that has "literary flair"?

You might say they possess "writing talent", demonstrate a "gift for writing", or have a "knack for words", depending on the specific quality you want to highlight.

What's the difference between "literary flair" and just being a good writer?

"Literary flair" implies not just competence but also a distinctive style, creativity, and artistry in the writing. A good writer might be technically proficient, but one with "literary flair" also captivates and engages the reader through their unique voice.

Is "literary flair" only applicable to fiction writing?

No, "literary flair" can apply to any form of writing, including non-fiction, journalism, and even academic writing, where the author demonstrates a skillful and engaging use of language that goes beyond mere factual reporting.

What are some examples of writers known for their "literary flair"?

Examples include authors like Tom Wolfe, known for his New Journalism style, or essayists who blend personal narrative with insightful analysis, creating a distinctive and memorable reading experience.