very exceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

"very exceptional" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is so unique or outstanding that it stands out from the norm. For example: "Cindy's performance in the contest was very exceptional - she clearly deserved to win the grand prize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Such medical evidence led the UN to declare lockdown a potential form of torture and to demand that all countries ban it except in very exceptional circumstances.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan's position on the issue is that no estate should be demolished except in very exceptional circumstances, preferring instead to look at building new homes on existing estates such as is planned at King Square in Islington.

The Guardian

Except in very exceptional circumstances, after the sur-reply is filed (if permitted), courts will allow no more briefing on the motion.

WikiHow

"It's a very exceptional power.

The Guardian

But these cases are very exceptional.

The Guardian

He said that the six-year-old was "very exceptional".

The Guardian

Oh, that was very exceptional for very, very special circumstances.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's a very exceptional child," Ms. Bortner said.

The New York Times

She was a very exceptional lady, and all who knew her loved her.

The New York Times

She is fifteen and thinks she is a very exceptional person.

The New Yorker

"He's a very, very exceptional character in Japanese politics," Mr. Toshikawa said of Mr. Iijima.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing achievements or qualities, use "very exceptional" to highlight their distinctiveness and set them apart from the ordinary. This adds emphasis and creates a stronger impression.

Common error

Avoid using "very exceptional" to describe commonplace events or items. Reserve it for situations where something truly stands out due to its rarity, quality, or impact to prevent diluting its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very exceptional" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that the quality being described is significantly above average or ordinary. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very exceptional" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjective phrase to emphasize that something is notably above average. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is accurate and suitable for various contexts, including news, general writing, and professional communications. While alternatives like "highly remarkable" or "extremely unusual" exist, "very exceptional" effectively conveys a strong sense of uniqueness or outstanding quality. Remember to reserve it for situations where something truly stands out to maintain its impact. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extraordinarily special

Underscores the distinct value and significance, adding an element of preciousness.

highly remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impressiveness of something, shifting the focus from rarity to impact.

uncommonly outstanding

Focuses on exceeding expectations and standing out positively, highlighting excellence.

unusually distinguished

Highlights standing out in a positive way, because it's better than the usual examples in its category.

extremely unusual

Highlights the infrequency and deviation from the norm, focusing on statistical rarity.

particularly notable

Focuses on being worthy of attention and recognition due to significance or quality.

decidedly uncommon

Similar to "extremely unusual" but emphasizes that something is definitively not ordinary.

singularly unique

Stresses the one-of-a-kind nature, intensifying the concept of being unmatched.

remarkably different

Highlights the distinctiveness and deviation from the norm, focusing on the degree of difference.

uniquely singular

Stresses unparalleled uniqueness, reinforcing the concept of being one-of-a-kind.

FAQs

How can I use "very exceptional" in a sentence?

Use "very exceptional" to describe something that is notably rare or outstanding, such as "The athlete demonstrated a "very exceptional" talent for the sport".

What are some alternatives to "very exceptional"?

Alternatives include "highly remarkable", "extremely unusual", or "extraordinarily special" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very exceptional" since "exceptional" already implies being beyond the norm?

While "exceptional" on its own is strong, using "very exceptional" amplifies the degree of being beyond the norm, emphasizing the rarity or impressiveness even further.

In what contexts is "very exceptional" most appropriate?

"Very exceptional" is most appropriate in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize the outstanding nature of something, setting it apart from typical or ordinary instances.