out of the ether

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of the ether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that appears suddenly or unexpectedly, as if through a mysterious force. For example, "The answer seemed to come out of the ether, and everyone was amazed by its accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It just didn't spirit itself out of the ether".

The Guardian

There was some planning around this event, it just didn't spirit itself out of the ether".

The Guardian

Many residents complained on Wednesday night, as they have in Brooklyn Heights and downtown Manhattan, that the metal stalls and kiosks seemed to appear, suddenly and out of the ether.

The New York Times

The Sana'a Center's al-Muslimi said the plan was obviously an attempt to garner good press, and one that didn't "come out of the ether".

Huffington Post

You obtained it by plucking it out of the ether.

The Guardian - Books

Nakamoto appeared out of the ether, fully-formed, dropped Bitcoin on the world, and then disappeared almost as quickly.

The Guardian - Tech

"There are still poets who come out of the ether with 400-page manuscripts," Mr. Holman said.

The New York Times

Collaborations such as this one are rarely pulled out of the ether, particularly if they are to be successful.

Independent

3.10pm: Leveson says Fedorcio chose Hanover and Bell Pottinger "as it were out of the ether" and asks if he considered any smaller companies.

The Guardian

The idea of a formless voice coming out of the ether to welcome him home didn't faze Mr. Crawford one bit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He and his advisers think that this out-of-the-ether-and-onto-the-net-everywhere strategy is both the medium and the message: a digitally distributed way to "disrupt" Big Government.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of the ether" to describe ideas, solutions, or events that arise without clear origin or explanation. It adds a touch of mystery or surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "out of the ether" when a clear source or cause is known. The phrase implies a degree of inexplicability, so using it inappropriately can weaken your argument or confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of the ether" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe how something appears or originates. It suggests an unexpected or mysterious emergence, as illustrated by Ludwig examples describing ideas or solutions arising without clear origin.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of the ether" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something that appears unexpectedly or from an unknown origin. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its frequency is very common, primarily in news and media contexts. While suitable for general use, it's important to consider the connotation of mystery and inexplicability when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "out of nowhere" or "from thin air" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of nowhere

Focuses on the unexpected appearance of something.

out of the blue

Emphasizes the unexpected and surprising nature of an event.

out of the clear blue sky

Similar to "out of the blue" but with added emphasis.

from thin air

Implies something was created or appeared magically.

appearing suddenly

A more literal description of something quickly becoming visible.

from the void

Suggests something emerging from a state of emptiness or non-existence.

materializing unexpectedly

Focuses on the physical manifestation of something unforeseen.

ex nihilo

A more formal and philosophical term for creation from nothing.

springing into existence

Emphasizes the rapid creation or appearance of something.

spontaneously generated

Highlights the lack of external cause or planning.

FAQs

How can I use "out of the ether" in a sentence?

You can use "out of the ether" to describe something that appears suddenly and unexpectedly, like "The solution to the problem seemed to come "out of the ether" during the brainstorming session."

What does "out of the ether" mean?

The phrase "out of the ether" refers to something that appears or arises seemingly from nowhere, often implying a mysterious or unexplained origin.

Are there any synonyms for "out of the ether"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "out of nowhere", "from thin air", or "out of the blue" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "out of the ether" in formal writing?

While "out of the ether" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "spontaneously generated" or a more direct description depending on the specific context.