a great back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical attributes, particularly in reference to someone's physique or in sports, such as football or rugby, where "back" refers to a player position. Example: "The coach praised the new recruit, saying he has a great back and could be a valuable asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"He was a great back.

The New York Times - Sports

He has a great back story.

The New York Times - Arts

Luckily, Callahan has a great back catalogue to draw on.

The Guardian - Music

"He's a great back slapper; he's a terrible policy maker".

The New York Times

Terrell is a great back, but that line is good.

The New York Times - Sports

"You know we have a great back catalogue, which finished with Avalon.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

That's a great back-story, sure.

Independent

He was a great back-up singer, and his ideas were really his ideas.

The Guardian - Music

The Independent London2Brighton ride is ideal for cyclists wanting to take on this iconic challenge with smaller numbers and a great back-up team.

Independent

Andersen has never looked like a prize-winning goalie, and the Ducks don't have a great back-up either in John Gibson.

The Guardian - Sport

So the killer track here is a fast version of Charlie Parker's "Ah-Leu-Cha," which contains a great back-and-forth between Mr. Chestnut and the drummer Kassa Overall.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's physical build, ensure the context is appropriate and respectful. Focus on attributes relevant to the situation, such as athletic performance or recovery from injury.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a great back" in contexts where it could be misconstrued as objectifying or irrelevant. Ensure the descriptor aligns with the purpose of the communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great back" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often used to characterize someone's physical attributes or a supporting element, aligning with Ludwig's examples. It's an adjective phrase modifying the noun "back".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great back" is a common and generally correct expression used to describe physical attributes, a supporting role, or a narrative element. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show diverse usage across news, sports, and personal contexts. While context-dependent, especially in more formal settings, it generally holds a neutral tone. Remember to focus on using this phrase appropriately, ensuring its relevance to the discussion and avoiding any potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent rear

Replaces "great" with "excellent" and "back" with "rear", focusing on physical appearance.

a superb spinal column

Replaces "great" with "superb" and "back" with "spinal column", emphasizing anatomical structure.

an amazing defender

Shifts from physical attribute to functional role in sports.

a top-notch protector

Highlights the protective qualities, applicable in sports or security.

a fantastic support system

Changes the context from a physical back to a figurative support.

a formidable guardian

Similar to "top-notch protector" but with a stronger, more imposing connotation.

a remarkable backstory

Focuses on the narrative background rather than physical traits.

an outstanding history

Similar to backstory, but more formal.

a reliable assistant

Shifts the meaning to someone who provides support.

a champion's spirit

Focuses on the inner qualities rather than physical attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "a great back" in a sentence?

You can use "a great back" to describe someone's physical build, as in "He has "a great back" and is a strong swimmer", or to refer to a supporting element, such as "The product has "a great back" story".

What are some alternatives to saying "a great back"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an excellent rear" for physical appearance, "an amazing defender" in sports, or "a remarkable backstory" for narratives.

Is it appropriate to use "a great back" in formal writing?

The appropriateness of using "a great back" depends on the context. If you're describing someone's physical attributes in a professional or medical setting, it might be acceptable. However, in general formal writing, consider more descriptive and professional alternatives.

What does "a great back" mean when referring to a sports player?

In sports, especially in football or rugby, saying someone is ""a great back"" typically means they are a skilled and effective player in a back position, such as a running back or fullback.