what a trick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a trick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or admiration for a clever or deceptive act. Example: "When I saw how he managed to pull off that illusion, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'What a trick!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

What a trick!

The New Yorker

HE WAS a one-trick pony, but what a trick.

The Economist

Compared with its wireless rivals, it's a one-trick pony — but man, what a trick.

The New York Times - Tech

What a trick has been pulled on Britain by its political and business elite: never have so many people had their pockets picked at the same time.

The Guardian - Opinion

And what a trick — a potential game-changer, the kind that turns homemade mayo from a special-occasion recipe into an everyday endeavor, ending our dependence on subpar, corn-syrup-filled commercial stuff.

The New York Times - Food

And when I am at a jovial dinner table with my three stepsons, now all in or approaching their early twenties, I think what a trick I've pulled off in acquiring a large family even after postponing childbearing until perilously late.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It pays to work out what's a trick and what's a treat … The tricks It's easy to feel cheated if you get hit with extra fees, even if you read the details of an insurance policy.

The Guardian - Money

What a great trick you just performed; in fact, it's the oldest trick in the book.

Huffington Post

What a cool trick!

The New York Times

What a lousy trick.

The Guardian - Sport

What a neat trick.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a trick" to express surprise or admiration, especially when acknowledging a clever or unexpected solution to a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "what a trick" in situations that require formal or serious language. It is best suited for informal settings where a lighthearted or impressed tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "what a trick" is as an exclamatory phrase. It expresses a strong feeling of surprise, admiration, or acknowledgment of cleverness. Examples on Ludwig demonstrate its use in response to unexpected solutions or skillful actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8.3%

Less common in

Science

8.3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"What a trick" is a common exclamatory phrase used to express surprise or admiration for a clever or deceptive act. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in informal contexts, especially in news articles and online content. While its informality limits its use in formal writing, alternatives like "what a feat" or "what a smart move" can be considered for more formal settings. It's best to use it when you want to acknowledge ingenuity or a surprising twist in a lighthearted manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a feat

Replaces "trick" with "feat", emphasizing accomplishment and skill.

what a clever ruse

Substitutes "trick" with "clever ruse", heightening the sense of deception and cunning.

what a cunning plan

Replaces "trick" with "cunning plan", highlighting the calculated nature of the action.

what a smart move

Substitutes "trick" with "smart move", focusing on the intelligence behind the action.

what an ingenious idea

Replaces "trick" with "ingenious idea", emphasizing the creativity and inventiveness.

what a brilliant maneuver

Substitutes "trick" with "brilliant maneuver", focusing on skill and strategy.

what a masterful stroke

Replaces "trick" with "masterful stroke", emphasizing expertise and precision.

what a neat scheme

Substitutes "trick" with "neat scheme", focusing on a well-organized plan.

what an artful dodge

Replaces "trick" with "artful dodge", emphasizing evasion and skill.

what a crafty ploy

Substitutes "trick" with "crafty ploy", highlighting cunning and resourcefulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "what a trick" to express admiration or surprise at a clever or deceptive action. For example, "When he solved the puzzle so quickly, I thought, '"what a trick"!'"

What can I say instead of "what a trick"?

Alternatives include "what a feat", "what a clever ruse", or "what a smart move" depending on the specific context.

Is "what a trick" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "what a trick" is generally too informal for academic or professional writing. Use more formal alternatives like "remarkable achievement" or "astute maneuver".

What's the difference between "what a trick" and "what a gimmick"?

"What a trick" usually expresses admiration for cleverness, while "what a gimmick" implies something is being used to attract attention, often deceptively.