outstanding students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstanding students" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe students who excel academically or demonstrate exceptional qualities in their studies. Example: "The school recognized the outstanding students at the annual awards ceremony for their remarkable achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The FSM had the participation of a large number of the university's outstanding students & other persons.

The New Yorker

Outstanding students in engineering and science have normally considered a career in our national laboratories as desirable.

The New York Times

He said lack of competition had hindered innovation and led to many outstanding students and academics continuing their careers abroad.

The New York Times

Athletic success is an important goal for Rutgers, celebrated along with our top-ranked academic programs and our outstanding students.

The New York Times

Juniors and seniors fret over a phenomenon common to high-achieving schools: Among so many outstanding students, it is hard to distinguish oneself.

The New York Times

The Herbert and Ruth Aschkenasy Opportunity Fund at the City College Honors Center will enhance the lives of outstanding students forever.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

The Economist

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

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "outstanding students", provide specific examples of their achievements or qualities to add depth and credibility to your description. Instead of saying "the university attracts outstanding students", say "the university attracts outstanding students, many of whom have published research papers before graduating".

Common error

Avoid using only "outstanding" to describe students without providing context. Instead of just stating that students are "outstanding", elaborate on their specific strengths, skills or contribution to make your writing more impactful and avoid sounding generic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding students" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "outstanding" acts as a pre-modifying adjective describing the quality of the students. It's used to identify a group of students who possess exceptional qualities or achievements, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outstanding students" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe students who excel academically or demonstrate exceptional qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic sources. While many alternatives exist, like "exceptional students" or "high-achieving students", providing specific examples of their achievements adds depth. When describing these students, avoid overusing generic adjectives without context. This approach will make your writing more impactful and authentic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional students

Focuses on students who are notably different and above average in their abilities.

remarkable students

Highlights students who are worthy of attention due to their uncommon or impressive qualities.

high-achieving students

Emphasizes students with a proven track record of academic success and accomplishments.

top-performing students

Refers to students who consistently rank among the best in their class or cohort.

gifted students

Implies students with innate talents or abilities that set them apart from their peers.

talented students

Highlights students who possess a natural aptitude or skill in a particular area.

promising students

Suggests students who show great potential for future success based on their current abilities and efforts.

bright students

Indicates students who are intelligent, quick-witted, and perceptive.

academically distinguished students

Highlights students with exceptional academic records and achievements.

exemplary students

Refers to students who serve as a model of excellence in their academic performance and behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "outstanding students" to describe students who excel academically or demonstrate exceptional qualities. For example, "The university awarded scholarships to several "outstanding students" at the ceremony."

What are some alternatives to "outstanding students"?

Alternatives to "outstanding students" include "exceptional students", "remarkable students", or "high-achieving students", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "outstanding student" instead of "outstanding students"?

Yes, "outstanding student" is correct when referring to a single student. "Outstanding students" is used when referring to multiple students.

What makes a student "outstanding"?

An "outstanding" student typically demonstrates exceptional academic performance, strong leadership skills, significant contributions to their community, or unique talents and abilities. It's a combination of factors that sets them apart.