thing to behold

USAGE SUMMARY

"thing to behold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is remarkable and impressive to look at. For example: The aurora borealis is truly a thing to behold.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deconstructed, Gingrich is a thing to behold.

The New York Times

It is a terrible thing to behold, and to hold.

The New York Times - Arts

But truly, this is a terrible thing to behold.

The New York Times

The choreography alone is a thing to behold.

The New Yorker

And it truly is a thing to behold.

The Guardian - Music

The "black heart" glare a thing to behold".

The Guardian - Sport

It really is a wonderful thing to behold.

The Guardian - Tech

It was an awesome thing to behold, his inbox without the reminder e-mail.

The New Yorker

The tactical missteps by the town's police leadership have been a thing to behold.

The New Yorker

I don't fully understand it, but it's a terrible thing to behold.

The New York Times

But young people engaging with young people is an amazing thing to behold.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While versatile, "thing to behold" is best suited for situations where a sense of awe or significance is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "thing to behold" for everyday or unremarkable situations. This phrase is best reserved for moments of genuine impressiveness to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thing to behold" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an appositive, that describes something remarkable or impressive. It highlights the noteworthy qualities of the subject, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thing to behold" is a phrase used to describe something remarkable and impressive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. It functions as a noun phrase expressing admiration or wonder. While versatile, it's best used in contexts where a sense of awe is appropriate, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. Consider alternatives like "sight to see" or "spectacle to witness" for variety. Overall, "thing to behold" remains a valuable expression for conveying the striking qualities of something observed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sight to see

This alternative focuses on the visual aspect, emphasizing that something is worth seeing.

spectacle to witness

This phrase suggests a grand or impressive display, highlighting the act of witnessing something extraordinary.

amazing sight

This option uses a more direct and simplified structure, directly describing something as visually striking.

remarkable phenomenon

This alternative highlights the extraordinary or unusual nature of an event or occurrence.

extraordinary display

This phrase emphasizes the impressive arrangement or presentation of something.

wonderful experience

This alternative shifts the focus from visual appearance to overall positive feeling.

incredible view

This option specifically refers to a visually impressive scene or landscape.

noteworthy event

This phrase underscores the importance or significance of a particular occurrence.

unforgettable moment

This alternative emphasizes the lasting impact and memorable quality of an experience.

striking image

This option focuses on the visually impactful and memorable nature of a particular picture or scene.

FAQs

How can I use "thing to behold" in a sentence?

Use "thing to behold" to describe something visually stunning, impressive, or awe-inspiring. For example, "The Grand Canyon at sunrise is a "thing to behold"."

What's a more formal way to say "thing to behold"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "remarkable spectacle" or "extraordinary phenomenon" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What are some less common, but similar phrases to "thing to behold"?

Consider using "sight to see" or "spectacle to witness" for variations that maintain a similar sense of visual impressiveness.

Is "thing to behold" suitable for describing negative situations?

While primarily used positively, "thing to behold" can be used sarcastically or ironically to describe something shockingly bad or terrible, though this usage is less common.