work of art

USAGE SUMMARY

'work of art' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any creative or artistic creation, such as a painting, sculpture, poem, etc. For example: "The Mona Lisa is a world-famous work of art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A work of art?

The New Yorker

It's a work of art.

Independent

My favourite work of art.

Independent

Still, "Work of Art" works.

The New York Times - Arts

That's the work of art.

The New York Times

"Apocalypto" is a pathological work of art.

The New Yorker

They prioritize the work of art".

The New York Times

WHAT constitutes a work of art?

The Economist

My favourite work of art is.

Independent

"People consider this a work of art.

The New York Times

The stations are a work of art.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work of art" to describe creations that demonstrate significant skill, creativity, and aesthetic value. It applies to both traditional art forms like painting and sculpture, and less conventional forms.

Common error

Avoid using "work of art" to describe something that is merely well-made or functional, but lacks significant artistic merit. Reserve it for items that possess a high degree of creative expression or aesthetic appeal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work of art" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to a product of artistic endeavor recognized for its aesthetic or intellectual value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work of art" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe artistic creations of significant merit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, with the majority of examples appearing in News & Media sources. While alternatives such as "masterpiece" or "artistic creation" may be suitable replacements depending on the specific context, "work of art" remains a versatile and widely understood term. Remember to reserve the phrase for items displaying genuine artistic expression and avoid overuse in mundane situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

masterpiece

Highlights the exceptional quality and skill involved.

fine art piece

Specifically refers to works within the realm of fine arts.

artistic creation

Focuses on the creative aspect of producing art.

piece of artistry

Emphasizes the skill and craftsmanship involved.

creative achievement

Stresses the successful outcome of a creative process.

artistic endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and intention behind the creation.

artistic expression

Focuses on the communication of ideas or emotions through art.

visual art

Broad term encompassing various forms of art that are primarily visual in nature.

aesthetic object

Highlights the visual appeal and artistic design.

cultural artifact

Places the artwork within a broader cultural context.

FAQs

How can I use "work of art" in a sentence?

You can use "work of art" to describe something that is visually appealing or skillfully made. For example, "The painting is a stunning work of art."

What can I say instead of "work of art"?

You can use alternatives like "masterpiece", "artistic creation", or "artistic endeavor" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe everyday objects as a "work of art"?

While technically possible if the object is exceptionally designed and crafted, it's generally better to reserve "work of art" for objects primarily intended for aesthetic appreciation. Describing everyday objects as such might sound hyperbolic.

What distinguishes a "work of art" from a simple craft?

A "work of art" typically involves a higher degree of creative expression, emotional depth, or conceptual innovation compared to a craft. While crafts can be skillful and beautiful, art often aims to provoke thought or evoke feelings beyond mere functionality.