outstanding student

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstanding student" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "John was an outstanding student who always strived to achieve the best grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No wonder he isn't an outstanding student.

The New York Times - Arts

(Some pledges, such as cancelling outstanding student debts, remain unfulfilled).

The Economist

At Exeter, Lee was a good but not outstanding student.

The New York Times - Magazine

Outstanding student loans weigh heavily on the government's purse.

The Guardian - Opinion

About 40 million Americans have outstanding student loans.

The Guardian - Money

He studied physics there, but was not an outstanding student.

The Guardian

He was not an outstanding student, but he was regarded as disciplined and reliable.

The New Yorker

She's not only an outstanding athlete, she's an outstanding student, which makes me even more proud".

The New York Times - Sports

In the past decade, outstanding student debt has quadrupled, to $1.1 trillion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Jon was an outstanding student-athlete at VFCC.

Huffington Post

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE "2001 Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Awards".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a student's performance, provide specific examples to illustrate their exceptional qualities. Instead of simply stating "outstanding student", mention their specific achievements, skills, or contributions.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on generic phrases like "hardworking" or "dedicated" without providing concrete evidence. Instead, showcase how the student's work ethic translates into tangible results.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "outstanding student" is to act as a noun phrase, where "outstanding" modifies the noun "student". It serves to describe or characterize a particular student, indicating that they possess exceptional qualities or achievements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outstanding student" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a student who excels academically or possesses exceptional qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. It functions to commend or praise a student, and its register ranges from neutral to formal. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Encyclopedias", the phrase denotes significant achievement and potential. When using this phrase, ensure to support the description with specific examples to illustrate the student's exceptional qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional scholar

Replaces "student" with "scholar", emphasizing academic achievement and intellectual ability.

remarkable learner

Focuses on the learning capabilities of the student, suggesting a natural aptitude for acquiring knowledge.

top-performing pupil

Highlights the student's high academic standing and performance relative to their peers.

brilliant academic

Emphasizes intellectual brilliance and academic prowess.

gifted student

Suggests innate talent and a natural ability to excel in academic pursuits.

high-achieving student

Focuses on the student's consistent success and accomplishments in their studies.

exemplary student

Highlights the student's role model status and their embodiment of ideal student qualities.

first-class mind

Uses a more figurative expression, elevating the student’s intelligence and mental capabilities.

promising scholar

Emphasizes the student's potential for future success and contributions to their field.

a student of distinction

Adds a formal tone, suggesting the student is noteworthy and stands out from others.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "outstanding student" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding student" to describe someone who excels academically and demonstrates exceptional qualities. For example, "She is an "outstanding student" who consistently achieves top grades."

What are some alternative phrases to "outstanding student"?

Alternatives include "exceptional scholar", "remarkable learner", or "top-performing pupil", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "outstanding student" or "excellent student"?

Both "outstanding student" and "excellent student" are acceptable, but "outstanding student" suggests a higher level of achievement and distinction compared to simply being "excellent."

What makes a student an "outstanding student"?

An "outstanding student" typically demonstrates exceptional academic performance, intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude towards learning. They often exceed expectations and contribute positively to the learning environment.