outstanding at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstanding at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's exceptional skill or ability in a particular area or activity. Example: "She is outstanding at mathematics, consistently achieving top scores in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He's outstanding at pretty much everything".

The New York Times - Sports

"Broad was outstanding (at Durham).

The Guardian - Sport

She was outstanding at the ADC [Amateur Dramatic Club].

The Guardian - Film

Matte orange looked equally outstanding at Sonia Rykiel.

The New York Times - Style

Ronny Turiaf was outstanding at times in November, before injuries slowed him.

The New York Times - Sports

And until the Northridge disaster, they were considered outstanding at handling earthquakes.

The Economist

Despite Bale's outstanding at home and in Europe, Modric was arguably Tottenham's best player last year.

Independent

Evans is outstanding at disengaging from defeated defensive linemen to quickly reach a linebacker.

The New York Times

A Hall of Fame offensive lineman should be outstanding at run and pass blocking, for instance.

The New York Times - Sports

"They'll usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do".

Independent

She was outstanding at everything she set her mind to - the "Martha Stewart" of her day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "outstanding at," ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject excels in to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "outstanding at" for skills where the subject is merely competent or average. Reserve it to describe abilities that are truly exceptional or remarkable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding at" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It denotes a superior level of skill or competence. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe someone or something exceptionally skilled in a particular area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outstanding at" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe exceptional skill or ability in a particular field. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to express admiration, often found in neutral contexts like news and media. While there are several synonyms such as "adept at" or "excels in", it's important to use "outstanding at" when truly highlighting exceptional capabilities, rather than mere competence. As a best practice, ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject excels in to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excels in

Highlights exceptional performance and superiority in a specific area.

exceptionally gifted in

Implies an inherent, extraordinary ability, often surpassing typical skill levels.

masterful in

Implies complete control and expertise, often associated with artistic or technical skill.

remarkably talented in

Focuses more on innate talent, suggesting a natural aptitude for the area of expertise.

adept at

Highlights a natural talent or acquired skill, emphasizing ease and fluency in execution.

accomplished in

Suggests a high level of achievement and mastery in a specific field.

proficient in

Focuses on competence and skill level in a particular domain, rather than necessarily standing out.

skilled at

Emphasizes developed ability through training or experience, not necessarily exceptional performance.

highly competent in

Stresses a strong level of ability and effectiveness but lacks the implication of superiority.

particularly strong in

Indicates a notable strength or advantage in a specific area, without necessarily implying overall excellence.

FAQs

What does "outstanding at" mean?

The phrase "outstanding at" means exceptionally good or remarkably skilled in a particular area or activity. It indicates a high level of proficiency and performance.

How can I use "outstanding at" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding at" to describe someone's exceptional abilities or skills. For example: "She is "outstanding at mathematics"." or "He is "outstanding at public speaking"".

What are some alternatives to "outstanding at"?

Some alternatives to "outstanding at" include "proficient in", "adept at", "excels in", and "exceptionally gifted in". These phrases convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "outstanding in" instead of "outstanding at"?

While "outstanding in" can be used, "outstanding at" is more common and generally preferred when referring to a specific skill or activity. "Outstanding in" is more appropriate when referring to a field or area of study.