startling originality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startling originality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something creative or unusual. For example: "She showed startling originality when designing her new range of furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It isn't just original, it's "of startling originality" (that from both Jay McInerey and Nicci Gerard writing separately in the Observer).

The Guardian - Books

But lethargy and resignation suddenly give way to moments of startling originality.

The New York Times

The BBC, with startling originality, called the show The Barber Comes to Town.

The Guardian

Longfellow is not a poet of startling originality, not a Whitman or Dickinson.

The New York Times - Books

Varda is a director of a startling originality, for whom the New Wave was already a modern myth to confront.

The New Yorker

Sackville's prose style has been widely remarked on by critics, who have identified a "startling originality" and "beautiful" restraint.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Jackson and his wife Grace had twins, called – with a startling lack of originality – Alex and Grace (there is a very touching family video on YouTube showing the family all together).

The Guardian - Sport

And, although her top-shelf strategy is hardly startling in its originality, it's accomplished with more class than her obvious competitors".

Wikipedia

Exhilarating, uplifting, startling in their high originality – Peter Lanyon's gliding paintings at the Courtauld Gallery are the revelation of the year.

The Guardian - Arts

Every lasting work of literature since the very weird "Beowulf" has been strange, not only because it grapples with the strangeness around us, but also because the effect of originality is startling, making even the oldest books feel like brand-new stories.

The New York Times - Books

Silver's commercial is an advertisement for a cell-phone camera and the processor that it runs on, and it's both a work of great originality and a startling new direction for the filmmaker.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startling originality" to describe works that break from established norms in an impactful and unexpected way. This phrase is particularly effective in arts, literature, and design reviews.

Common error

Avoid using "startling originality" to describe minor deviations from the norm. This phrase should be reserved for truly exceptional and innovative creations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling originality" functions as an adjective-noun combination, typically used to describe a subject possessing a surprising and notable degree of innovation or uniqueness. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in critiques and analyses of creative works.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "startling originality" effectively describes a notable and unexpected degree of innovation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly within arts, literature, and design reviews. While the phrase is not overly common, it is widely understood and adds emphasis when highlighting a truly innovative idea or creation. When seeking alternative expressions, consider "remarkable innovation" or "striking novelty" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable innovation

Replaces 'originality' with 'innovation' and 'startling' with 'remarkable', focusing on the novelty aspect.

striking novelty

Substitutes 'originality' with 'novelty' and 'startling' with 'striking', highlighting the newness and impressiveness.

unexpected ingenuity

Replaces 'originality' with 'ingenuity' and 'startling' with 'unexpected', shifting the focus to cleverness and surprise.

surprising inventiveness

Uses 'inventiveness' instead of 'originality' and 'surprising' instead of 'startling', stressing the creative and unexpected nature.

astounding creativity

Substitutes 'originality' with 'creativity' and 'startling' with 'astounding', emphasizing the level of artistic creation involved.

fresh perspective

Conveys originality by highlighting a new point of view instead of the standard word originality.

groundbreaking approach

Highlights a novel methodology as being original.

radical departure

Emphasizes deviation from the conventional as a form of startling originality.

unconventional thinking

Focuses on innovative thoughts instead of originality.

inspired vision

Underlines a new point of view as a substitute for originality.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "startling originality" in a sentence?

Employ "startling originality" to highlight an unexpected and significant departure from established norms, particularly when discussing creative works or innovative ideas. For example, "The artist's use of color displayed a "startling originality"".

What are some alternatives to "startling originality"?

You can use alternatives such as "remarkable innovation", "striking novelty", or "unexpected ingenuity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "startling originality" formal or informal language?

"Startling originality" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing something surprisingly unique, making it adaptable for diverse forms of writing and conversation.

What distinguishes "startling originality" from "mere creativity"?

"Startling originality" goes beyond standard creativity by indicating an unexpected or groundbreaking level of innovation that significantly deviates from the ordinary, while creativity may simply denote the ability to produce something new.