sterling job

USAGE SUMMARY

"sterling job" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a job or task that was done exceptionally well or with outstanding quality. It can also be used in a sarcastic or ironic manner to express disappointment or dissatisfaction. Example: - "She did a sterling job on her presentation. The clients were thoroughly impressed." - "They really did a sterling job organizing the event. Everything went smoothly." - "I thought you said you were going to clean the kitchen. Looks like a sterling job to me." (sarcastic).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You're doing a sterling job, Julie," one admirer said.

The Guardian

Whichever goon had thumped him had done a sterling job.

The New York Times - Magazine

He earned a string of sterling job- performance evaluations, which he has proudly saved.

The New Yorker

Denise Cormier, as Bill's wife, does a sterling job explaining just how alone she is.

The New York Times

Bareyev did a sterling job on Loek van Wely's Gruenfeld Defense in Round 5.

The New York Times

Then of course there is the sterling job Bush did in New Orleans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ian is doing a sterling job for us, as are his backroom staff.

The Guardian - Sport

Although limited by their material, Mr. Hallberg and Mr. Gomes do a sterling job.

The New York Times - Arts

John Tillinger, a veteran director, has done a sterling job of blocking.

The New York Times

I've barely noticed him, really, so I guess that means he's doing a sterling job.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'd also like to thank Brian Dowling for doing such a sterling job over the last two years.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In British English, this phrase is particularly effective for professional commendations and public acknowledgments.

Common error

Avoid misspelling the phrase as "stirling job". While "Stirling" is a city in Scotland and a common surname, the adjective meaning 'of excellent quality' or 'genuine' is always spelled "sterling", derived from the high purity of sterling silver.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sterling job" functions as a noun phrase composed of an attributive adjective and a head noun. In this context, "sterling" serves as an intensifier of quality, indicating that the "job" was done to the highest possible standard. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a valid and widely accepted idiomatic expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Sports Commentary

10%

Less common in

Academic Science

5%

Legal Documents

3%

Technical Manuals

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "sterling job" is a robust and highly respected idiom for describing outstanding performance. Ludwig provides 60 distinct examples from top-tier sources, proving its widespread utility in professional journalism and public discourse. Whether you are writing a performance review or a news editorial, this phrase effectively communicates a high degree of satisfaction and respect. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and most frequent in British and International English contexts. To avoid common pitfalls, remember the "sterling" spelling and consider the modern "stellar job" if your audience is primarily based in the United States.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stellar job

uses a celestial metaphor that is more common in American English

splendid job

carries a slightly more traditional or British undertone of excellence

superb job

provides a more standard but equally powerful superlative

brilliant job

very common in UK English to express high levels of satisfaction

excellent job

the most standard and literal way to describe high-quality work

outstanding job

implies the work stands out clearly above the average

first-rate job

emphasizes the high tier or classification of the quality

exemplary job

suggests the work should serve as a model for others

magnificent job

adds a layer of grandeur or impressive scale to the praise

admirable job

shifts the focus slightly toward the respect earned by the performer

FAQs

What is the meaning of a "sterling job"?

A "sterling job" refers to a task or piece of work performed with exceptional quality, reliability, and excellence. It is a form of high praise often found in professional and journalistic contexts, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Is "sterling job" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral to professional. While it is perfectly acceptable in workplace emails and news reports, you might use more formal alternatives like an "exemplary job" or a "distinguished performance" in very stiff academic or legal writing.

What can I say instead of "sterling job"?

Depending on the tone you want, you can use phrases like a "stellar job" for modern flair, a "superb job" for general excellence, or a "brilliant job" for a common UK-style compliment.

Is it more common in British or American English?

While used in both, "sterling job" is particularly frequent in British English and Commonwealth countries. American English speakers often prefer using a "great job" or a "terrific job" in everyday speech.