what a talent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a talent" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an exclamation to express admiration or surprise at someone's talent. Example: "Wow, I just saw her play the piano and she was incredible! What a talent!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Crikey, what a talent.

Independent

What a talent she is.

Independent

And what a talent.

The New York Times

Yet what a talent it was!

The New Yorker

What a talent, what a story.

Independent

What a talent he is!

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He may not be the best overall player in the tournament, but his versatility allows him to be exactly what a talent-laden Spanish team needs.

The New York Times

You could tell what a great talent she had when she sang and produced talent shows.

Huffington Post

What a unique talent he is.

The Guardian - Sport

We know what a great talent he is.

The New York Times - Sports

"He showed what a phenomenal talent he is.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a talent" to express genuine admiration or surprise. It's most effective when used spontaneously in response to witnessing someone's exceptional ability.

Common error

Avoid using "what a talent" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in news and media, opt for more descriptive and professional language like "exceptional skill" or "remarkable ability" in formal reports or scholarly articles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a talent" functions as an exclamatory phrase, expressing strong admiration or recognition of someone's ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples across various sources showcase its role in highlighting exceptional skills.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Music

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a talent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used exclamatory phrase that conveys strong admiration for someone's skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples demonstrate its prevalence in news, sports, and music contexts. While appropriate in many situations, it's best to avoid using it in formal academic writing, opting for more precise language instead. Consider alternatives like "remarkably skilled person" or "truly exceptional ability" in such settings. The phrase is generally neutral in register, leaning towards informal, and serves to emphasize the impressive nature of the individual's abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incredibly talented individual

Adds emphasis using "incredibly" to underscore the high degree of talent.

such a gifted individual

Replaces "what a talent" with a more descriptive and slightly more formal expression emphasizing the person's inherent abilities.

remarkably skilled person

Focuses on the high level of skill possessed by the individual, using more precise and descriptive language.

truly exceptional ability

Highlights the exceptional nature of the ability rather than directly praising the person.

a real prodigy

Implies that the person's talent is innate and developed at a very young age.

a master of their craft

Highlights expertise and proficiency in a particular skill or field.

that person has exceptional skill

A more direct and less exclamatory way of stating that someone is very talented.

she's a natural

Informal expression indicating that someone possesses innate talent and excels effortlessly.

an accomplished professional

Emphasizes experience and skill developed through dedicated practice.

he's got a gift

Informal, emphasizing innate talent as a "gift".

FAQs

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

You can use "what a talent" as an exclamation to express your admiration for someone's skill or ability. For example, "Did you see her performance? "What a talent"!"

What are some alternatives to "what a talent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "such a gifted individual", "remarkably skilled person", or "truly exceptional ability", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "what a talent"?

"What a talent" is appropriate in informal settings, conversations, and news reports where expressing admiration or surprise is suitable. It might not be the best choice for formal or academic writing.

Is "what a talent" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what a talent" is grammatically correct as an exclamatory phrase. It follows the standard English structure for expressing surprise or admiration.