voila

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'voila' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express satisfaction or approval, especially after a successful action or project. For example, "I finished my project and voila, it was a masterpiece!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's the lowdown: You very stealthily lick your finger and then subtly press the anointed finger into the outside of the plane as you board and voila: safe and sound.

The Guardian

"Just change weights on data and, voila, you are perceived as less risky and you can be more leveraged".

The Economist

I bought another small item for a gift and voila my first awesome purchase of the night.And to really get a sense of America, see this:During Thanksgiving lunch with my family, my mom, sister and niece and I decided to drive up to the North Georgia Premium Outlets Thursday night at midnight.

The Economist

They say salacious things... and voila, they make it into the stories.As long as the Politico is listing the worst media blunders of the year, it might be fair to note some of the anonymous sources who furthered stories-of-the-day with conventional wisdom that was proved utterly wrong.

The Economist

Simply wrinkle your nose and say "Ugh, Coldplay" and voila: you're a bigger, better soul.

Independent

9. Take a call on your tablet If you've installed iOS 8 on your iPad and it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone then – voila – you can take calls on your iPad.

Independent

We mixed away to our heart's content, bunged the attachments in the dishwasher, et voila, a fabulous sponge greeted us from the oven an hour or so later.

Independent

7. Cut and pull off the cardboard rings – voila!

Independent

Zip off the detachable bottom, shove your head and arms through the holes provided, pull tight, and voila! you're ready to hit the main stage.

Independent

Here's a solution, Sir Trev – move your opening by an evening, et voila!, everyone's happy.

Independent

He believes in The Secret, whereby you visualise what you want and, voila, it comes true.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "voila" to add a touch of flair or satisfaction to a statement, especially after describing a process or action that leads to a successful outcome. It's perfect for moments of reveal or accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "voila" too frequently in your writing, as it can come across as pretentious or repetitive. Reserve it for moments where it truly enhances the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The interjection "voila" functions as an exclamatory expression used to signal a successful completion or a satisfying reveal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, demonstrating its role in marking a moment of accomplishment or presentation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "voila" is a versatile interjection used to express satisfaction, accomplishment, or a successful reveal. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While "voila" adds a touch of flair, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as "there you have it" or "ta-da" depending on the context and desired tone. While commonly used, reserve its use in more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

et voilà

Keeps the French origin, offering a nearly identical meaning and usage.

there you have it

Replaces the French flair with a more direct, declarative tone.

ta-da

Offers a more playful and theatrical alternative.

and just like that

Emphasizes the ease and speed of the transformation or completion.

presto

Provides a quicker, almost magical sense of completion.

behold

Adds a sense of wonder or formality to the reveal.

as if by magic

Highlights the surprising or seemingly effortless nature of the outcome.

in a flash

Conveys the immediacy and swiftness of the result.

and so it is

Provides a sense of finality and accomplishment.

all done

Simplifies the expression to a clear statement of completion.

FAQs

How can I use "voila" in a sentence?

"Voila" is typically used at the end of a sentence or clause to express satisfaction or a sense of completion after something has been successfully accomplished. For example, "I followed the recipe, and "voila", a perfect cake!"

What phrases can I use instead of "voila"?

Alternatives to "voila" include "there you have it", "ta-da", or "presto". The best choice depends on the context and the tone you wish to convey.

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

While "voila" is generally acceptable, it may be considered somewhat informal. In more formal contexts, it's better to use more neutral alternatives like "thus" or simply state the outcome directly.

What is the difference between "et voila" and "voila"?

"Et voila" is the original French expression, while "voila" is an anglicized version. They both carry the same meaning and can be used interchangeably, but "et voila" retains a slightly more authentic French feel.