Extraordinary vs Like in outer space

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

Extraordinary

Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective

Like in outer space

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ExtraordinaryMost common: Extraordinary
 ExtraordinaryLike in outer space
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈstrɔːdnri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈstrɔːrdəneri/"]/🇬🇧 //laɪk ɪn ˈaʊtə speɪs//🇺🇸 //laɪk ɪn ˈaʊtər speɪs//
Meaningvery unusual or remarkableSimilar to something in outer space.
ExampleHer performance was nothing short of extraordinary, captivating the entire audience.Her creativity is like in outer space; it’s out of this world.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsappear, be, feel, most, really, trulydesign like in outer space, ideas like in outer space, creativity like in outer space
Antonymsordinary, common, usual-
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 'like in outer space' with 'like from outer space', which may imply being alien., Using it in formal contexts where it sounds too casual., Misplacing the emphasis, making it sound unnatural.
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 in casual conversations to express something that is extraordinary or unusual, often with a sense of wonder. It's not appropriate for formal writing or speech.

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Extraordinary
Like in outer space

Frequently asked questions: Extraordinary vs Like in outer space

What's the difference between Extraordinary and Like in outer space?

Extraordinary: very unusual or remarkable Like in outer space: Similar to something in outer space.

Which is more formal: Extraordinary and Like in outer space?

Extraordinary is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Extraordinary and Like in outer space?

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. Like in outer space: Her creativity is like in outer space; it’s out of this world.

Can I use Extraordinary and Like in outer space interchangeably?

Not always. Extraordinary and Like in outer space 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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