stands out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stands out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is particularly noticeable or distinct. For example, "The bright color of the rose stands out against the dull green of the bushes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He stands out by not standing out.

The New York Times - Sports

Mothercare stands out here.

Independent

"That really stands out".

The New York Times

Nothing stands out.

The New York Times

Alexandria stands out".

The New York Times

That's where he stands out".

The New York Times - Sports

But one lesson stands out.

The Economist

One industry stands out: tourism.

The Economist

Gaza stands out, though.

The Washington Post

So what stands out?

The Guardian

-- stands out as unsatiric.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stands out" to emphasize a unique or exceptional quality that makes something easily noticeable or distinct from others. It is especially effective when highlighting positive attributes or achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "stands out" excessively in descriptive passages, as it can make your writing repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "striking", "noticeable", or "prominent" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stands out" functions primarily as a descriptor, indicating that something is particularly noticeable or distinct from its surroundings. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stands out" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote something that is easily noticeable or distinct. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse contexts. As highlighted by the provided examples, "stands out" is frequently used in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic writing, making it a common expression in both formal and informal settings. Remember to use "stands out" to give emphasis to your writing, and you can replace it with synonyms like "is noticeable", or "is prominent" to maintain variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is noticeable

Uses a more basic adjective and verb to express being easily seen or recognized.

is prominent

Emphasizes importance and visibility, suggesting a leading position.

catches the eye

Focuses on the visual aspect of being noticeable, implying attractiveness or intrigue.

is striking

Highlights the impressive or remarkable nature of something that attracts attention.

distinguishes itself

Implies a deliberate effort to be different and better than others.

is remarkable

Focuses on the exceptional and noteworthy qualities of something.

is conspicuous

Suggests a strong, often visually obvious, presence that is hard to ignore.

looms large

Indicates significant importance or impact, making something stand out metaphorically.

attracts attention

Highlights the ability to draw focus and interest from others.

is preeminent

Suggests a superiority and high rank that sets something apart from the rest.

FAQs

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

You can use "stands out" to describe something that is easily noticeable or distinct. For example, "Her talent "stands out" in the competitive field" or "The red building "stands out" against the blue sky".

What are some alternatives to "stands out"?

Alternatives include "is noticeable", "is prominent", "catches the eye", or "is remarkable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "stand out" or "stands out"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "stand out" for plural subjects and "stands out" for singular subjects. For example, "Those buildings stand out" versus "That building "stands out"".

What's the difference between "stands out" and "standing out"?

"Stands out" is the present tense, third-person singular form of the phrasal verb, used to describe a current state. "Standing out" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For example, "She "stands out" in the crowd" versus "Her performance is "standing out" from the rest".