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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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outstanding

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'outstanding' is a perfectly valid and correct word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is truly remarkable or exceptional. For example: "Her artwork was outstanding and admired by all who saw it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness – making him a true star performer".

Outstanding issues include pensions, labour market reform, VAT rates and Greece's budget targets.

Most unexpectedly, the outstanding Nitrous morphs from a lament to a laughing-gas seller into an unlikely folk deconstruction of Olive's 90s pop-dance hit You're Not Alone.

"I am so excited that Brenda has made it," said Loyce, wearing an outstanding red floral flowing busuuti (type of dress).

News & Media

The Guardian

And, given the quality of many of the fall additions – Mulaney, Bad Judge – it's a situation that might not change any time soon.‬ The outstanding Showtime drama, which stars Ruth Wilson and Dominic West as the participants in the titular affair, both telling their side of the story as they saw it, hasn't been a ratings smash, though figures have been rising as the first season progresses.

The schools becoming academies were far from random ("outstanding" institutions enjoyed special freedoms to convert; failing schools were sometimes forced), so the department proposed, and identified funds for, a systematic evaluation.

News & Media

The Guardian

New this year is an adventure in and around the Binevenagh area of outstanding natural beauty, with kayaking on the Roe river and mountain biking on Binevenagh mountain, finishing on the shore below iconic Mussenden Temple.

"The Hungarian game has always been built on or round outstanding individuals," wrote Willy Meisl in 1956, and by the 1954 World Cup Hungary had an entire team of them.

Jones stifled Ryan Giggs and launched a couple of forward raids of his own during an outstanding debut that earned him the man of the match award.

Any financial liabilities held, such as outstanding balances on credit cards and student loans, are then subtracted to provide a net measure of wealth Private pension wealth: this includes occupational and personal pensions as well as retained rights in private pensions and pensions in payment.

News & Media

The Guardian

The attack was reported as late-night political talks aimed at resolving outstanding peace process disagreements continued in Belfast.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outstanding" to describe achievements, qualities, or performances that significantly exceed expectations. This adds emphasis and recognition to the subject being described.

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding" to describe ordinary or commonplace things. Reserve it for situations where exceptional merit or impact is genuinely present.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The word "outstanding" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate exceptional quality or prominence. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing its use across diverse contexts to highlight superior attributes. Examples include describing "outstanding performance" or "outstanding individuals".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "outstanding" is a versatile adjective used to denote exceptional quality, prominence, or unresolved matters. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While phrases like "exceptional", "remarkable", and "excellent" offer similar meanings, "outstanding" uniquely balances formality and expressiveness. To use it effectively, reserve "outstanding" for genuinely exceptional instances and avoid overuse in mundane situations. Its consistent usage and clarity contribute to its recognition as a high-quality descriptor.

FAQs

How to use "outstanding" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding" to describe something that is exceptionally good or prominent. For example, "She delivered an outstanding performance" or "The school has an outstanding reputation".

What can I say instead of "outstanding"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptional", "remarkable", or "excellent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "outstanding" to describe unresolved issues?

Yes, "outstanding" can also refer to something that is unresolved or pending, such as "outstanding debts" or "outstanding questions".

What is the difference between "outstanding" and "distinguished"?

"Outstanding" generally means exceptionally good or prominent, while "distinguished" implies recognized excellence and eminence. While similar, "distinguished" often carries a sense of prestige and formal recognition.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: