super

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "super" is correct and usable in written English, often used informally to express enthusiasm or approval.
You can use it in casual contexts to describe something as excellent or very good. Example: "The concert last night was super fun!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Tech

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Click here to watch In between picking up all of the awards, the French duo and super producer (and his huge hat) were performing one of the most anticipated collaborations of the night.

The Guardian - Music

Those who want a straight extension of the Patriot Act are in a distinct minority and supporters of the USA Freedom Act still cannot muster the necessary super majority to advance the bill.

The Guardian

Even in the super soaraway Sun, he admitted to an interviewer from India Today, the daily parade of topless lovelies was "getting a bit old-fashioned.

The Guardian

It's an ultra-basic hostel near the Van Gogh museum with 500 beds in dorm rooms but it's hugely popular and super cheap (from €21 a night).

The Guardian - Travel

The resources minister Martin Ferguson, for example, didn't discover the full details of the original resource super profits tax until a few days before they were made public.

The Guardian

Labor seized on Fraser's comments about the need to review super tax concessions as "an embarrassing revelation for the Abbott government".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

JW Instagram isn't all overhead shots of people's dinner: Bart Van Olphsen – cookbook author, ex-fish trader and sustainability champion – has an account dedicated to super-short cookery videos.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of the major issues for Hartlepool voters is the future of the town's hospital, with plans for a new £300m "super-hospital" at Wynyard shelved and the town's A&E department closed, leaving patients to travel to nearby Stockton or Middlesbrough.

The Guardian

Some are on a grand scale – such as Spain's concentrated solar power stations which, by super-heating molten salts that hold their heat for many hours, can generate clean power from the sun at night.

The Guardian

Many city tours are either generic, big-group walks – in which you are fed dry facts with no particular theme – or super-cheesy, "we're-not-like-the-other-tours" experiences, where you are guided by someone wearing a trilby and strumming a ukelele while telling tales of local cult legends.

The Guardian - Travel

Since 2010 the government has enjoyed a parliamentary super-majority which it has used to undermine the independence of the judiciary, the power of the constitutional court and media freedom and pluralism, as well as to gain control over state institutions".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "super" as an adverb (e.g., "super fun"), be aware that it's informal. Reserve it for casual conversations or writing where a relaxed tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "super" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms such as "excellent", "outstanding", or "exceptional" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "super" functions primarily as an adjective modifying nouns, indicating high quality or excellence. It can also act as an adverb, intensifying adjectives. Ludwig AI confirms its role in enhancing descriptions or expressing approval, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Lifestyle

13%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Tech

10%

Travel

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "super" is a versatile word primarily used as an adjective or adverb to express enthusiasm or indicate high quality. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in informal contexts. While common in news and lifestyle content, its use in formal or academic writing should be approached with caution, opting for more precise synonyms like "excellent" or "outstanding". Ultimately, understanding the context will help you use the word "super" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent

Replaces "super" with a more formal and widely accepted term for high quality.

outstanding

Suggests a level of quality that stands out above the average.

amazing

Conveys a sense of wonder and impressiveness.

wonderful

Emphasizes the pleasant and delightful nature of something.

fantastic

Indicates something exceptionally good or pleasing.

terrific

Similar to fantastic, but might carry a slightly more informal tone.

great

A common and versatile term for something very good.

exceptional

Highlights something that deviates from the norm in a positive way.

splendid

Implies elegance and impressiveness.

remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthy and memorable aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "super" in a sentence?

"Super" can be used as an adjective to describe something of excellent quality or as an adverb to intensify an adjective, like in "The party was "super awesome"".

What are some alternatives to the word "super"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "excellent", "amazing", or "wonderful" as alternatives to "super".

Is it appropriate to use "super" in formal writing?

While "super" is commonly used in informal contexts, it is generally not appropriate for formal writing. Use more formal alternatives like "outstanding" or "exceptional" in such cases.

What is the difference between using "super" and "very"?

"Super" and "very" can both be used as adverbs, but "super" often carries a more enthusiastic or informal tone. For example, "super happy" suggests a stronger, more excited feeling than "very happy".