a big achievement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big achievement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant success or accomplishment in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or academic settings. Example: "Graduating from university with honors was a big achievement for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a big achievement.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a big achievement".

The New York Times

"Killing him was a big achievement," said his brother Riyadh.

The New York Times

It was such a big achievement for me.

Independent

It was a big achievement; I'm happy with it".

The New York Times - Sports

That is to be applauded as a  big achievement.

The Economist

"This is a big achievement for me," Jackson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Beating the Socceroos was a big achievement for Fiji soccer.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a big achievement for us, and the country.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a big achievement for the party, he says.

The Guardian

It is a big achievement if we can do it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big achievement" to emphasize the scale and impact of a success, particularly when you want to convey enthusiasm and excitement about the accomplishment. For example, "Winning the championship was "a big achievement" for the team".

Common error

While "a big achievement" is widely understood, it can sound less formal than alternatives like "a significant accomplishment" or "a major success". Choose a more sophisticated phrase when writing for academic or professional audiences to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big achievement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes something that has been accomplished successfully. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to express success across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big achievement" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe a significant success or accomplishment. While grammatically correct, it is more informal than alternatives like "a significant accomplishment". As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees widespread use across various sources, particularly in news and media. When choosing this phrase, consider your audience and the desired level of formality. For formal contexts, opting for a more sophisticated synonym might be more appropriate. The phrase effectively conveys the importance and impact of an achievement, making it a valuable tool in expressing recognition and appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant accomplishment

Replaces "big" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the achievement.

a major success

Substitutes "achievement" with "success", highlighting the favorable outcome.

a remarkable feat

Uses "remarkable feat" to convey an achievement that is particularly impressive or unusual.

a great triumph

Replaces "achievement" with "triumph", suggesting a victory after a struggle.

a noteworthy accomplishment

Emphasizes that the achievement is deserving of attention or recognition.

an important milestone

Focuses on the achievement as a key event in a progression or development.

a considerable breakthrough

Highlights the achievement as a significant advance or discovery.

a laudable accomplishment

Indicates that the achievement is worthy of praise or commendation.

a crowning glory

Positions the achievement as the ultimate and most impressive accomplishment.

a signal success

Implies the achievement serves as an indicator or example of success.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a big achievement"?

Alternatives to "a big achievement" include "a significant accomplishment", "a major success", or "a remarkable feat" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a big achievement" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a big achievement" leans toward the informal side. For formal writing, consider using phrases such as "a significant accomplishment" or "a noteworthy achievement".

How can I make "a big achievement" sound more impactful?

To emphasize the impact, you can follow "a big achievement" with a phrase explaining its significance. For example, "Securing the contract was "a big achievement", setting the stage for future growth."

What's the difference between "a big achievement" and "a small victory"?

"A big achievement" suggests a substantial accomplishment with considerable impact, whereas "a small victory" refers to a minor success. The choice depends on the scale and importance of the accomplishment you're describing. A small victory might be "a minor triumph" or "a modest success".