more than ordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than ordinary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exceeds the usual or average level of quality or significance. Example: "Her performance in the play was more than ordinary; it was truly exceptional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's more than ordinary or common.

The New York Times

Like these others, Ruttenberg is more than ordinary.

The New York Times - Books

"[We] adhere to those values more than ordinary people do".

The Guardian

He is an organizer of more than ordinary ability.

The New Yorker

It's stressful, sure — but not more than ordinary unpleasant experiences like, say, having flu-like symptoms.

The New York Times

A passing shopper complains about the price: 10% more than ordinary sweet potatoes.

The Economist

The promise of a more than ordinary king, a "messiah," was enticing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is a Prussian and of slightly more than ordinary intelligence.

The New York Times

They affected old comrades in the politburo far more than ordinary citizens.

The Guardian - Books

Egyptian cats were more than ordinary house pets in 57 B.C.

The New York Times

It's a fact, she notes pithily, that seems to interest journalists "more than ordinary punters".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more than ordinary", ensure the context clearly establishes what the ordinary level is for comparison. For example, "The chef's skills were more than ordinary for a culinary student; they rivaled those of seasoned professionals."

Common error

Avoid using "more than ordinary" in overly simplistic or clichéd situations. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact; instead, strive for more descriptive and vivid language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than ordinary" functions primarily as an adjective modifier, used to intensify the quality of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms this, as it's typically found describing characteristics or attributes that exceed normal expectations. Examples from Ludwig show it qualifying nouns like 'ability', 'intelligence', and 'assurance'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

17%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than ordinary" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that denotes something exceeding the typical or expected level. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability, as evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It serves to emphasize the exceptional nature of a subject, whether in a positive or neutral light. When using the phrase, it's best to ensure a clear context for comparison and to avoid overuse in clichéd situations. Consider alternatives like ""exceptional"" or ""extraordinary"" for more nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of the ordinary

Puts emphasis on something departing from the common or usual experience.

above average

Indicates a level exceeding the average, focusing on quantifiable measurement.

exceptional

Highlights a deviation above what is expected, connoting rarity.

extraordinary

Suggests a higher degree of impressiveness and rarity than "ordinary".

remarkable

Emphasizes the quality of being worthy of attention due to uncommonness.

beyond the norm

Indicates exceeding a standard level or expectation.

uncommon

Directly points out the lack of commonness or frequency.

unusual

Highlights the deviation from the norm or typical occurrence.

atypical

Implies a departure from the typical characteristics or behavior.

noteworthy

Highlights the importance or interest associated with the subject.

FAQs

What does the phrase "more than ordinary" mean?

The phrase "more than ordinary" describes something that exceeds the average, expected, or typical level. It suggests a quality or characteristic that is above the norm.

How can I use "more than ordinary" in a sentence?

You can use "more than ordinary" to describe anything that surpasses what is considered usual. For example, "Her dedication to the project was "above average", showing a commitment "more than ordinary"."

What are some alternatives to saying "more than ordinary"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptional", "extraordinary", "remarkable", or "uncommon" depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to be "more than ordinary"?

While generally positive, the phrase can sometimes be used in neutral or even negative contexts depending on what is being described. For instance, "The bureaucracy involved was "more than usual"", indicating an excessive amount of red tape.