that was superb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was superb" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express admiration or praise for something that has just occurred or been presented, such as a performance, meal, or piece of work. Example: "After watching the play, I turned to my friend and said, 'That was superb!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Early Longquan celadons had a transparent green glaze that was superb in quality, thick, and viscous, usually with a well-marked network of fine cracks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cameron Grant, the piano soloist, was at his best, and Hugo Fiorato, the conductor, brought out a vibrancy in the orchestra that was superb.

The New York Times

We ordered the pear ginger tart, a thin, rich wedge that was superb, and a couple of disappointingly bland mochi, Japanese rice pastries.

The New York Times - Travel

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Defensemen Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski each had a goal and an assist and the Pittsburgh Penguins shredded a Montreal penalty-killing unit that was superb in the opening round, beating the Canadiens by 6-3 on Friday night in the first game of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

The New York Times

Historically in the East, colonial-era colleges "established a model of private higher education that was superb, and the Midwest, when people began moving in the 19th century, didn't have that, so states picked up responsibility for that earlier in the West than in the East," said Ellen Condliffe Lagemann, president of the Spencer Foundation in Chicago, which focuses on education research.

The New York Times

"The boys were superb [against Australia], they put an intensity on and a level of execution that was superb," Williams said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"They're producing product that is superb".

The New Yorker

There are highlights going through from the alternate version of Whole Lotta Love – that's superb.

The Guardian - Music

(Slimy: that is superb, that is so… Arbusian!) By all accounts, Arbus's sexual curiosity was as intense as her urge to make photographs.

The Guardian - Arts

IN New York, the hunt for a good Cubano turns up many that are filling but few that are superb.

The New York Times - Food

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish with muslin £13.25 for 100mlA naturally fragrant cream cleanser that's superb on all skin types.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was superb" to express strong approval or admiration, especially when describing a performance, creation, or action you found notably excellent. This phrase adds a touch of elegance to your praise.

Common error

While "that was superb" is a perfectly valid expression, reserve it for situations where the level of admiration is genuinely high. Overusing it in everyday, mundane scenarios can dilute its impact and make your language sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was superb" functions as an evaluative statement expressing strong approval or admiration. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is used to commend something considered exceptionally good.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Sports

29%

General Conversation

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was superb" serves as a commendable expression of strong approval and admiration. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in English. While not the most common phrase, it adds a touch of elegance when praising something considered exceptionally good. Its usage spans across News & Media, Sports, and general conversation, leaning toward a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "that was excellent" and "that was outstanding". Use this phrase judiciously to emphasize your sincere appreciation for something truly remarkable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was excellent

A more general expression of high quality or skill, interchangeable in many contexts but lacks the specific flair of "superb".

that was outstanding

Highlights something that stands out from the rest due to its excellence; slightly more emphatic than "superb".

that was magnificent

Implies grandeur or impressiveness, suitable for particularly awe-inspiring instances.

that was remarkable

Focuses on the unusual or noteworthy nature of the thing being praised.

that was wonderful

Conveys a sense of pleasure and delight; a more emotive and less formal alternative.

that was impressive

Acknowledges the skill or impact of the action, but might lack the overt enthusiasm of "superb".

that was first-rate

An older, slightly more formal expression indicating top quality.

that was top-notch

Similar to 'first-rate' but slightly more informal, implying the highest standard.

that was splendid

An older-fashioned term that suggests something is grand or impressive.

that was extraordinary

Emphasizes that something was beyond the ordinary, highly exceptional.

FAQs

What's the difference between "that was superb" and "that was excellent"?

"That was superb" expresses a high degree of admiration and elegance, whereas "that was excellent" is a more general expression of high quality. While both convey approval, "that was superb" has a slightly more sophisticated and refined tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "that was superb"?

Use "that was superb" when you want to express strong approval or admiration for something, especially regarding a performance, artistic creation, or skillful action. It's well-suited for situations where you want to convey a sense of refined appreciation.

Are there less formal alternatives to "that was superb"?

Yes, less formal alternatives include phrases like "that was great", "that was amazing", or "that was fantastic". These options are suitable for more casual settings where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.

Can I use "that was superb" in written communication?

Yes, "that was superb" is appropriate for written communication, especially in contexts where you want to convey a sense of elegance or sophistication. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it aligns with the intended message.