more than pretty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than pretty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that possesses qualities beyond just being attractive or aesthetically pleasing. Example: "Her talent for painting is more than pretty; it captivates everyone who sees her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

More than pretty lucky.

The New Yorker

Neuroimaging is often pilloried for providing little more than pretty pictures that simply show where activity occurs in the brain.

Trends in Neurosciences

(With her chiseled cheekbones and shock of dark hair, she still is more than pretty enough).

The New York Times - Arts

Could it be that the Tyrells are nothing more than pretty words after all?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But younger generations need older ones to turn that idealism into more than pretty words.

The New York Times

For this client was after more than pretty bindings: he wanted the option of being able to read his books.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

He falls instantly in love with the more-than-pretty Merle, and in doing so, sets off a retrospective chain of events — ones that have already occurred in the past.

The New York Times - Books

While critics say this amounts to little more than prettying up a dumbed-down work force, the British prime minister, Gordon Brown, emphatically disagrees.

The New York Times

They're more sturdy than stylish, more practical than pretty.

BBC

It was more powerful than pretty.

The New York Times - Sports

The resulting picture is more petty than pretty.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than pretty" to convey that a person, object, or idea possesses qualities beyond superficial attractiveness. For example, a solution can be "more than pretty" if it's also effective.

Common error

Avoid using "more than pretty" in contexts where the initial focus on appearance overshadows other important qualities. Ensure the additional attributes are clearly highlighted and valued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than pretty" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It's used to modify a noun, indicating that the noun possesses qualities that go beyond mere attractiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than pretty" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that something or someone possesses qualities beyond mere physical attractiveness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Its prevalence in news and media sources demonstrates its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the additional, more significant qualities are clearly emphasized to avoid superficiality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than attractive

A direct synonym emphasizing additional qualities beyond basic attractiveness.

not just pretty

Highlights that other qualities exist beyond physical appearance.

beyond beautiful

Indicates a quality surpassing simple beauty, possibly including depth or complexity.

strikingly attractive

Highlights an attractiveness that is very noticeable and impressive.

exceedingly beautiful

Emphasizes a high degree of beauty, surpassing typical attractiveness.

having substance and beauty

Highlights that attractiveness is accompanied by meaningful depth or character.

beautiful and intelligent

Adds the dimension of intelligence to the description, moving beyond physical appearance.

attractive and talented

Combines attractiveness with having a specific talent or skill.

possessing inner beauty

Emphasizes internal qualities, which might exceed the importance of external appearance.

more than meets the eye

Implies hidden qualities or complexities that are not immediately obvious.

FAQs

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

You can use "more than pretty" to describe something or someone that possesses qualities beyond mere attractiveness. For instance, "The solution wasn't just pretty; it was also incredibly effective."

What are some alternatives to "more than pretty"?

Consider alternatives such as "strikingly attractive", "exceedingly beautiful", or "beyond beautiful" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "more than pretty" or "beyond beautiful"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "more than pretty" specifically emphasizes qualities beyond aesthetics, whereas "beyond beautiful" focuses on a higher degree of attractiveness.

What does it mean when someone is described as "more than pretty"?

It means that the person possesses attributes that are more important or noticeable than their physical appearance, such as intelligence, talent, or kindness.