a colossal respect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal respect" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It could be used to emphasize a very high level of respect for someone or something, but it is more effective to use simpler expressions. Example: "I have a colossal respect for the dedication and hard work that the team has shown throughout the project."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What's more, they are regarded with a colossal respect that North Americans might find odd.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And the country paid, dearly, including a colossal loss in respect for the rule of law.

The New Yorker

It is a colossal scavenger slang and has no respect.

Forbes

Lonergan is respected as an auteur after his critically adored Margaret struggled to get a proper release after a colossal row over editing and ownership.

The Guardian - Film

What a colossal failure!

Independent

That is a colossal achievement.

The Economist

Safety is a colossal issue.

The New York Times

A colossal and inspirational figure.

Independent

This was a colossal understatement.

The New York Times

Zambrano was a colossal flop.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a colossal waste.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for emphasis, consider using "tremendous respect" or "immense respect" as more common and readily understood alternatives to "a colossal respect".

Common error

Avoid using "colossal" too frequently in your writing. While it can effectively emphasize size or importance, overuse diminishes its impact. Opt for synonyms like "tremendous", "immense", or "profound" to maintain variety and prevent your writing from sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal respect" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "colossal" modifies the noun "respect", intensifying its meaning. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically acceptable but not commonly used, suggesting it's best reserved for situations requiring strong emphasis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a colossal respect" is a grammatically sound but infrequent phrase used to express a significant degree of admiration or esteem. Ludwig AI indicates that, while acceptable, it is not commonly used and may sound awkward to some. More conventional alternatives such as "immense respect" or "tremendous respect" are generally preferred for clarity and broader acceptance. When choosing to use "a colossal respect", consider the context and audience to ensure the emphasis is appropriate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremendous respect

Substitutes "colossal" with "tremendous" maintaining a sense of great respect but with a slightly less dramatic tone.

immense respect

Replaces "colossal" with "immense", conveying a similar degree of respect but sounding slightly more formal.

profound respect

Changes "colossal" to "profound", shifting the focus to the depth and seriousness of the respect held.

great admiration

Replaces "respect" with "admiration", emphasizing a feeling of approval and liking.

deep reverence

Substitutes "respect" with "reverence", suggesting a feeling of awe and deep respect, often for something sacred or highly esteemed.

enormous esteem

Replaces "respect" with "esteem", focusing on the high regard and favorable opinion held.

high regard

Simplifies the phrase to express a generally positive and respectful attitude.

considerable deference

Replaces "respect" with "deference", highlighting the courteous respect and submission to another's opinion or judgment.

significant honor

Changes the focus to the act of honoring, implying respect through actions and recognition.

genuine appreciation

Shifts the emphasis to gratitude and recognition of worth, rather than strict respect.

FAQs

How can I use "a colossal respect" in a sentence?

You can use "a colossal respect" to describe a very high level of respect for someone or something. For instance: "They held "a colossal respect" for their teacher's dedication."

What's a more common alternative to "a colossal respect"?

More common alternatives include "great respect", "immense respect", or "tremendous respect". These options are more frequently used and generally sound more natural to native English speakers.

Is "a colossal respect" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a colossal respect" is grammatically correct, but it's not a commonly used phrase. While the grammar is sound, the phrasing might sound unusual or overly dramatic to some.

When is it appropriate to use "a colossal respect"?

Use "a colossal respect" when you want to strongly emphasize the magnitude of respect. However, consider whether a more common phrase like "great respect" or "immense respect" would be more effective for your audience.