what a romantic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a romantic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express admiration or a light-hearted critique of someone's romantic nature or actions. Example: "He brought her flowers and wrote her a poem; what a romantic!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I always think to myself, what a romantic 20th-century city," Ms. Tighe told the audience.

The New York Times

Boonyi takes the threat lightly: "What a romantic you are," she replied carelessly.

The New Yorker

At the end Fitz is reinforcing what a romantic figure Gatsby is.

The New Yorker

The Bergmans had enough of a history with Spence to know what a romantic he was.

The New York Times - Magazine

** Boonyi takes the threat lightly: **{:.break one} ** "What a romantic you are," she replied carelessly.

The New Yorker

"What a romantic," Bill Harrison said, flashing the projector against Flip's romper.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Others had a different reaction: "What a beautiful, romantic image of the city," he recalled.

The New York Times

But I saw it again at Locarno two years ago, and I realised what a very romantic movie it is.

The Guardian - Film

Her films came to define what a quality romantic comedy could be during the '80s and '90s.

Huffington Post

Those things are much more concerning in terms of modelling what a healthy, romantic, sexy relationship should be – especially for young girls who will see the movie".

Vice

Those things are much more concerning in terms of modeling what a healthy, romantic, sexy relationship should be especially for young girls who will see the movie".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a romantic" to express lighthearted admiration or gentle teasing, adjusting your tone to suit the context.

Common error

Avoid using "what a romantic" with excessive sarcasm, especially in sensitive situations, as it can come across as dismissive or insensitive. Make sure that it's clear whether you are genuine or sarcastic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a romantic" functions as an exclamatory interjection, often used to express surprise, admiration, or sometimes gentle mockery towards a romantic gesture or person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what a romantic" is a versatile exclamation used to react to acts of romance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. It can express sincere appreciation, lighthearted amusement, or even mild sarcasm, depending on the context and tone. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various settings. While often used genuinely, awareness of potential misinterpretations, especially sarcastic usage, is important to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how romantic

Omits the article 'a', slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

that's so romantic

Adds a demonstrative pronoun and adverb to emphasize the romantic nature.

such a romantic gesture

Focuses on the gesture being romantic rather than the person.

he's such a romantic

Shifts the focus to the person performing romantic acts, using a pronoun.

how very romantic

Intensifies the romantic quality with an added adverb.

what a sweetheart

Uses a different term of endearment to express a similar sentiment.

that's quite romantic

Replaces "so" with "quite", indicating a slightly more reserved expression.

charming

Single-word adjective expressing a similar positive assessment of a romantic act.

how lovely

Expresses a general positive reaction, applicable to a romantic situation.

what a beautiful thing to do

Broadens the scope to the action itself, not just the romantic aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "what a romantic" to express admiration or amusement at someone's romantic gesture. For example, "He planned a surprise picnic; what a romantic!"

What are some alternatives to "what a romantic"?

Alternatives include "how romantic", "that's so romantic", or "such a romantic gesture" depending on the context and your intended tone.

Is it appropriate to use "what a romantic" sarcastically?

Yes, you can use "what a romantic" sarcastically, but be mindful of your audience and the context. Ensure your tone is clear to avoid misunderstanding.

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

"What a romantic" is typically an exclamation expressing surprise or admiration, while "that's romantic" is a statement of fact or opinion about something being romantic.