a great fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great fall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or severe drop, either literally (as in falling from a height) or metaphorically (as in a decline in status or fortune). Example: "After years of success, the company experienced a great fall in profits due to the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The signs being carried were, as ever, both plainly vitriolic ("We are the granddaughters of the witches you tried to burn") and playfully threatening ("Humpty Trump Will Have A Great Fall").

The New Yorker

It's a vivid image worthy of a great Fall riff.

Independent

As if he has suffered a great fall.

The New Yorker

Later on, of course, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

The New Yorker

In 1970 she turned to nonfiction with "A Great Fall: A Murder and Its Consequences".

The New York Times

It is, in other words, just the kind of pride that goeth before a Great Fall.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

He was there, and he was wonderful, but then there was a great falling-out.

The New Yorker

Royal palms flank a long rectangular pool, a great fallen tree forms a bridge across the water, and heliconias bloom among the elephant ears and banana shrubs.

The New York Times

A great fallen tree -- one of those botanical fakes so well done in zoos and public gardens these days -- forms a bridge across the water.

The New York Times

A spring rifle makes for a great fall-back in case you don't have any spare batteries for your AEG.

WikiHow

The number of jobless (seasonally adjusted) fell 45,000 to 3.77m, a greater fall than had been expected.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "significant decline" or "major setback" for a more formal or precise tone, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a great fall" when intending to describe a minor or insignificant decline; the phrase implies a substantial and noteworthy drop.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great fall" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition to describe a significant decline or downturn. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great fall" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a significant decline or setback, whether literal or metaphorical. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical status is correct, with usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While synonyms like "significant decline" or "major setback" offer alternatives, "a great fall" carries a slightly more dramatic connotation. The phrase is generally neutral in register but should be used cautiously to accurately reflect the magnitude of the decline being described. Common errors include misinterpreting or exaggerating the scale of the decline. Remember context is key to correctly wield its power, as recommended in best practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant decline

Emphasizes the substantial nature of the decrease or downturn.

a major setback

Highlights the negative impact and hindrance caused by the fall.

a steep drop

Focuses on the sudden and rapid nature of the decline.

a considerable downturn

Indicates a notable and potentially prolonged period of decline.

a sharp decrease

Stresses the abrupt and marked reduction in quantity or value.

a sudden collapse

Suggests an unexpected and complete failure or breakdown.

a tragic downfall

Emphasizes the unfortunate and often irreversible nature of the decline.

a terrible tumble

Highlights the uncontrolled and potentially damaging nature of the fall.

the autumn season

Refers to the season of fall with a different focus.

a seasonal change

General term for change of seasons.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great fall" to describe a significant decline or setback, as in "The company experienced "a great fall" in profits due to the recession."

What can I say instead of "a great fall"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant decline", "a major setback", or "a steep drop" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a great falling" instead of "a great fall"?

While "a great falling" can be used, it typically refers to a continuous action of falling, whereas "a great fall" refers to a specific instance or event of falling or declining.

What's the difference between "a great fall" and "a greater fall"?

"A great fall" refers to a significant instance of decline. "A greater fall" implies a comparison, indicating that one decline is more significant than another.