A colossal event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A colossal event" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event of great significance or magnitude. Example: "The launch of the new space telescope was a colossal event in the field of astronomy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This is such a colossal event, with such economic and social impact, that perhaps it would be appropriate to look at a commission of unimpeachable credentials, more unimpeachable for their integrity than their technical expertise," he said.

The New York Times

They have evolved a defensive, careful formal language of their own, which other New Yorkers only occasionally overhear... Alan Leidner, who is the head of geographic-information systems for the city, and the father of the Map, spoke about what the Map could do... Tfhe Map has not yet got a lot of P.R., partly because it is a colossal event only in the geographic-information-systems world.

The New Yorker

They have evolved a defensive, careful formal language of their own, which other New Yorkers only occasionally overhear... Alan Leidner, who is the head of geographic-information systems for the city, and the father of the Map, spoke about what the Map could do... Tfhe Map has not yet got a lot of P.R., partly because it is a colossal event only in the geographic-information-systems world..

The New Yorker

Robots finally grasping dexterity would be a colossal event for e-commerce order fulfillment, which is why Amazon has sponsored annual robotic competitions over the past several years.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And yet, while all this has been going on, an event has gone completely unnoticed, a huge, colossal event, one which, in the long run, can redraft the map of the planet, and one which this shadow theater nonetheless conceals from view.

Huffington Post

Safety is a colossal issue.

The New York Times

Certainly, warming itself is a colossal issue.

Yale University

This is what can happen when the modern democratisation of photography meets a colossal news event.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, overall, the initial market reaction to a colossal political event is surely: it could have been worse.

The Guardian - Business

We were a few of the several hundred who had gathered for the rescheduled colossal event.

Huffington Post

This colossal event, staged in the specially built Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, was full of new-gothic, neo-Renaissance, neo-everything nightmares of bad design and ponderous art.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the context when choosing this phrase. While impactful, "A colossal event" can sometimes sound hyperbolic, so ensure it aligns with the tone and scope of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "A colossal event" for minor occurrences or situations where the impact is not truly significant. Overusing such strong language can dilute its effect and diminish the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A colossal event" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "colossal" modifies the noun "event". It serves to emphasize the extraordinary scale or importance of the event being described, as Ludwig illustrates.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A colossal event" is a phrase used to describe something of immense size, scope, or impact. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically functioning as a noun phrase to underscore significance. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid hyperbole. The most frequent contexts include News & Media, Academia and Science. Alternatives such as "a monumental occurrence" or "a gigantic happening" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A monumental occurrence

Replaces "colossal" with "monumental", emphasizing the historical significance.

A gigantic happening

Substitutes "colossal" with "gigantic", stressing the sheer size and impact.

A massive occasion

Uses "massive" instead of "colossal", highlighting the scale of the event.

An extraordinary affair

Replaces "colossal" with "extraordinary", focusing on the exceptional nature of the event.

A significant development

Changes the noun to "development", emphasizing the importance of the event's outcome.

A remarkable phenomenon

Employs "remarkable" to highlight the event's unusual and noteworthy qualities.

A pivotal moment

Shifts the focus to the turning point aspect, indicating a crucial time.

A game-changing incident

Highlights the transformative effect of the event.

A world-shattering episode

Emphasizes the widespread impact and dramatic consequences of the event.

An earth-moving experience

Focuses on the profound and deeply affecting nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "A colossal event" in a sentence?

You can use "A colossal event" to describe something of great significance. For example, "The invention of the internet was "a colossal event" in human history".

What are some alternatives to "A colossal event"?

Alternatives include "a monumental occurrence", "a gigantic happening", or "a massive occasion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "A colossal event" formal or informal?

"A colossal event" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider your audience. In more formal settings, ensure the scale of the event warrants such strong language. It is generally considered neutral in tone.

What makes an event "colossal"?

An event is "colossal" when it is of immense size, scope, or impact. It typically has far-reaching consequences and affects a large number of people or systems.