Extraordinary vs This guy here is really something

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Extraordinary

Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective

This guy here is really something

InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: ExtraordinaryMost common: Extraordinary
 ExtraordinaryThis guy here is really something
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈstrɔːdnri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈstrɔːrdəneri/"]/🇬🇧 //ðɪs ɡaɪ hɪə ɪz ˈrɪli ˈsʌmθɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðɪs ɡaɪ hɪr ɪz ˈrɪli ˈsʌmθɪŋ//
Meaningvery unusual or remarkableThis person is very special or impressive.
ExampleHer performance was nothing short of extraordinary, captivating the entire audience.This guy here is really something; he just won a national award!
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsappear, be, feel, most, really, trulythis guy here, really something special, impressive guy here
Antonymsordinary, common, usualordinary, unremarkable
Common mistakesConfused with 'ordinary', thinking they are similar., Using inappropriately in very casual chats; feels too formal., Mispronouncing the word, especially the 'extra-' part.Confusing with 'this guy over there' which changes the meaning., Misusing in overly formal conversations where a more professional expression is needed.
Usage notesUse 'extraordinary' to describe something very special or impressive. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but try to avoid it in everyday casual conversations.Use this phrase to express admiration or surprise about someone. It's appropriate in casual conversations but not in formal settings.

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Extraordinary
This guy here is really something

Frequently asked questions: Extraordinary vs This guy here is really something

What's the difference between Extraordinary and This guy here is really something?

Extraordinary: very unusual or remarkable This guy here is really something: This person is very special or impressive.

Which is more formal: Extraordinary and This guy here is really something?

Extraordinary is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Extraordinary and This guy here is really something?

Extraordinary is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Extraordinary: Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, captivating the entire audience. This guy here is really something: This guy here is really something; he just won a national award!

Can I use Extraordinary and This guy here is really something interchangeably?

Not always. Extraordinary and This guy here is really something are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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