What a relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What a relief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of comfort or happiness after a stressful or worrying situation has been resolved. Example: "After hearing that the test results were negative, I thought, 'What a relief!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What a relief.

The New York Times

"What a relief," he said.

The New Yorker

"What a relief," Hossa said.

The New York Times - Sports

What a relief, right?

The New Yorker

What a relief, many people said.

The New York Times

What a relief when it was!

The Guardian - Travel

"What a relief," he said then.

The New York Times

"What a relief," Credit Suisse titled a note to investors.

The New York Times

"What a relief, finally, a win," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

What a relief for him and, more importantly, for me.

The Guardian - Sport

What a relief to get away from Hogwarts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with an explanation of what caused the relief to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "What a relief" sarcastically when the situation warrants a more serious or empathetic response. Using it inappropriately can undermine the genuine feelings of others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "What a relief" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression. It conveys a sudden feeling of comfort and happiness experienced after the cessation of a worrying or difficult situation. Ludwig AI also confirms that the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "What a relief" is a versatile and commonly used exclamation to express a feeling of comfort and happiness after a stressful situation ends. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use it with empathy and consideration for the context. Consider using alternatives like "that's a weight off my shoulders" or "thank goodness for that" for nuanced expressions of relief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's a weight off my shoulders

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of burden being lifted.

I'm so glad that's over

This alternative focuses on the completion of a challenging situation.

Thank goodness for that

This expresses gratitude for a positive outcome.

That's a blessing

This phrase suggests the positive outcome is fortunate.

I'm breathing a sigh of relief

This alternative highlights the physical sensation of releasing tension.

What a comfort

This expression focuses on the feeling of reassurance provided.

That eases my mind

This phrase highlights the calming effect on one's thoughts.

I feel much better now

This expresses a general improvement in emotional state.

A load has been lifted

This emphasizes the removal of a significant burden or worry.

That's a huge burden removed

Highlights the size of the burden removed.

FAQs

How can I use "What a relief" in a sentence?

"What a relief" is typically used as an exclamation expressing comfort after a stressful situation ends. For example, "The surgery was successful, what a relief!"

What can I say instead of "What a relief"?

You can use alternatives such as "that's a weight off my shoulders", "thank goodness for that", or "that's a blessing" depending on the specific context.

Is "What a relief" formal or informal?

"What a relief" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, be mindful of the situation and audience to ensure it's appropriate.

When is it inappropriate to use "What a relief"?

Avoid using "What a relief" sarcastically or when others are experiencing significant distress. It's crucial to use it with genuine empathy and consideration for the context.