stand out

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand out" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is especially noticeable or remarkable. For example, "Her red dress really stood out in the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did any stand out?

The New York Times - Magazine

How to stand out?

Forbes

Stand out instead!

WikiHow

To stand out?

WikiHow

They'll stand out more.

WikiHow

Stand out at tryouts.

WikiHow

Stand out to him.

WikiHow

Stand out from other fans.

WikiHow

What makes them stand out?

WikiHow

Several facts stand out.

Independent

Three threats stand out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand out" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is easily noticeable or exceptional compared to the surroundings. For impactful writing, consider what specific qualities make the subject "stand out" and detail those.

Common error

Avoid using "stand out" as a generic compliment. Instead of saying a candidate "stood out", specify why they were memorable, such as their innovative ideas or relevant experience. Providing context makes your writing more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand out" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating the action of being easily noticeable or prominent. It frequently describes something that contrasts with its surroundings or excels in a particular context, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stand out" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of being noticeable or exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, including news, media, wikis, and scientific writing. To maximize impact, specify the qualities that cause something to "stand out", ensuring your writing is both persuasive and informative. When a situation calls for it, you can also use alternatives such as "be noticeable", "attract attention", or "distinguish oneself".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be noticeable

Focuses on the act of being easily seen or observed.

be prominent

Emphasizes importance and visibility.

attract attention

Highlights the act of drawing focus to oneself.

be remarkable

Stresses the quality of being worthy of attention.

distinguish oneself

Focuses on setting oneself apart from others.

be exceptional

Highlights the quality of being unusually good.

shine

Implies a positive and radiant form of standing out.

make an impression

Focuses on creating a memorable impact.

turn heads

Suggests attracting attention in a visually striking way.

rise above

Implies surpassing others in achievement or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "stand out" in a sentence?

You can use "stand out" to describe someone or something that is easily noticeable or exceptional. For example, "Her innovative presentation made her "distinguish herself" from other candidates."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "stand out"?

Alternatives to "stand out" include "be noticeable", "attract attention", or "distinguish oneself". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "stand out" or to fit in?

Whether it's better to "stand out" or fit in depends on the situation. "Standing out" can be advantageous in competitive environments, while fitting in might be preferable in situations that prioritize teamwork and conformity.

What makes something "stand out"?

Something may "stand out" due to its unique qualities, exceptional performance, or distinctive appearance. The specific reasons for "standing out" vary widely depending on the context.