standing out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing out" is an appropriate and correctly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when something or someone stands out in a noticeable or distinct way compared to the surrounding environment, or compared to other items or people. For example, "The bright yellow flower was standing out amidst the sea of green plants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Business

Lifestyle

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Standing out is hard.

The Guardian

"I'm nervous just standing out here".

The New York Times - Food

"Standing out is the challenge," he adds.

The New York Times

I want him standing out there.

The New York Times - Sports

She was used to standing out.

The New York Times - Sports

"See all those people standing out there".

The New Yorker

Standing out from the crowd.

Harvard Business Review

Standing out from the pack isn't easy.

The New York Times

The importance of standing out increases.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's standing out from the crowd – fine.

The Guardian

Bob was standing out in the hall.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "standing out", consider the specific quality or characteristic that makes the subject noticeable. Be precise in your description to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using generic phrases like "stand out from the crowd" repeatedly. Instead, focus on showcasing unique attributes with vivid language to truly capture what makes something remarkable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing out" functions as a present participle acting as a verbal describing a state of being noticeable or distinct. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common and appropriate usage in English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing people, objects, and concepts that are easily recognized or differentiated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Sports

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "standing out" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of being noticeable or distinct. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use in English. Its communicative purpose is to emphasize distinctiveness, and it maintains a neutral to informal register. To enhance your writing, focus on specifying the unique qualities that enable something to "stand out", and avoid overused clichés to ensure originality. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, reflecting its broad applicability in describing noteworthy subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting oneself apart

Emphasizes the act of differentiating from a group.

distinguishing oneself

Focuses on setting oneself apart from others.

being noticeable

Focuses on the quality of attracting attention.

drawing attention

Emphasizes the act of causing people to notice.

attracting notice

Highlights the ability to garner attention.

catching the eye

Implies visual appeal and memorability.

being prominent

Stresses importance and visibility.

making an impression

Highlights the impact on others.

rising above

Suggests superiority or excellence compared to others.

making a splash

Implies a dramatic and memorable impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "standing out" to describe something that is easily noticeable or distinct. For example, "The red dress was "standing out" in the crowd."

What are some alternatives to "standing out"?

Alternatives to "standing out" include "being noticeable", "distinguishing oneself", or "attracting notice", depending on the context.

Is it always positive to be "standing out"?

Not necessarily. "Standing out" can be positive when it highlights a unique talent or achievement. However, it can be negative if it draws unwanted attention or causes social discomfort. It depends on the context and the reason for "standing out".

What's the difference between "standing out" and "fitting in"?

"Standing out" implies being different and noticeable, while "fitting in" means conforming to the norms and blending with others. The choice between "fitting in" and "standing out" depends on the situation and personal goals.