what a delight

USAGE SUMMARY

"what a delight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express pleasure or joy at something, or to express approval for something. For example, "It's such a delight to see our children following their dreams and becoming successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"What a delight," Lucie said.

The New Yorker

What a delight that is".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What a delight, then, to turn to Kevin Fong's Extremes.

The Guardian - Books

What a delight, this morning, to come across a letter from her in the (U.K).

The New Yorker

What a delight it would be to have so many "parents"!

The New Yorker

What a delight to spend a few hours relishing each intimately.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

What a rare delight it is to see a late bloomer hit sublime form.

The Guardian - Opinion

What a tenderhearted delight is "Western," the best-kept secret in town.

The New York Times

One of the few positive comments was from Canning, who singled out Emma's ignorance of what an "afternoon delight" actually was.

Wikipedia

What a parallel of delights in Paris on the 10th evening of this enthralling French Open.

The Guardian - Sport

"What a time of intense delight was that first sail through the Highlands," Washington Irving wrote of his first voyage up the Hudson in 1800.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a delight" to express genuine pleasure or appreciation for something. It adds a touch of warmth and enthusiasm to your writing or speech.

Common error

While "what a delight" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more subdued expressions of approval or satisfaction to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a delight" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression of pleasure or satisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and conveys a positive emotion, often used to express approval or enjoyment of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a delight" is a common and grammatically sound exclamatory phrase used to express pleasure and satisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various written contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for expressing positive feelings. While highly versatile, overuse in strictly formal contexts should be avoided. Consider using alternative phrases like "what a pleasure" or "what a joy" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a pleasure

Replaces "delight" with "pleasure", maintaining a similar level of formality and positive emotion.

what a joy

Substitutes "delight" with "joy", suggesting a slightly deeper sense of happiness.

what a treat

Uses "treat" in place of "delight", often implying something special or unexpected.

how wonderful

Shifts from an exclamatory phrase to a descriptive one, expressing admiration.

how lovely

Employs "lovely" instead of "delight", conveying a gentle and pleasant feeling.

it's a real pleasure

Transforms the exclamation into a statement, emphasizing the feeling of enjoyment.

it's so gratifying

Replaces the exclamation with a more formal statement expressing satisfaction.

that's fantastic

Offers a more general expression of enthusiasm or approval.

how satisfying

Emphasizes the fulfillment or contentment derived from something.

that's a blessing

Conveys a sense of gratitude or good fortune.

FAQs

How can I use "what a delight" in a sentence?

You can use "what a delight" to express your pleasure or enjoyment about something. For example, "What a delight it is to see you again!" or "What a delight to discover such a wonderful book!".

What are some alternatives to "what a delight"?

Some alternatives include "what a pleasure", "what a joy", "how wonderful", or "what a treat". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "what a delight" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "what a delight" might be perceived as slightly informal for very formal writing. Consider using more subdued expressions of satisfaction or approval if a polished tone is required.

What's the difference between "what a delight" and "that's a blessing"?

"What a delight" expresses pleasure or enjoyment, while "that's a blessing" conveys a sense of gratitude or good fortune. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize enjoyment or thankfulness.