a great favour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great favour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to do something that would help you significantly or when expressing gratitude for a significant help received. Example: "If you could help me with this project, it would be a great favour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

This exhibition does Hirst a great favour.

The Guardian - Arts

"John Lewis have done us a great favour.

The Guardian

In this he has done us a great favour.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They did a great favour to me because I decided to change my life".

The Guardian - Film

("I'll do you a great favour, but I insist that you don't do me one in return". "Sorry, no. I'll do you a great favour, but only if you don't return the compliment").

The Economist

Obama goes to Tucson today: if he can do as well as Clinton, he will have done himself a great favour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

That should be enough to cause a nuisance, but not to do any great favours for his rural supporters.

The Economist

But democracy isn't doing the country any great favours when it comes to solving this problem.

The Economist

I am told a third plan winning great favour at board level is to extend the east stand and build around the corners of the ground, so increasing the capacity from the present 34,000 to about 50,000.

BBC

The Min/+ model has received great favour because it contains a mutation in the Apc gene, which is homologous to the human adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene [ 23].

BMC Cancer

He won early recognition for his erudition at a post in the chancery of Badajoz, where he found great favour with the bishop.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great favour", ensure the context reflects a genuine need or appreciation. It implies a significant level of assistance or benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "a great favour" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Opt for alternative expressions like "a big help" or "a significant kindness" to maintain variety and sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great favour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "do me a great favour") or following a preposition (e.g., "I owe you a great favour"). As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “a great favour” is a commonly used phrase to either request or acknowledge significant assistance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts. While primarily found in news and media, it also appears in academic and encyclopedia sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal tone. When incorporating “a great favour” into your writing, ensure the context accurately reflects the magnitude of the help involved and consider alternative expressions to maintain variety and impact. Understanding the nuances of the term may require a good look to the contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major help

Emphasizes the extent to which something is helpful.

a significant kindness

Emphasizes the act of kindness rather than the favour itself.

a huge assistance

Stresses the magnitude of the help provided.

a considerable service

Highlights the helpful action as a service provided.

a substantial benefit

Focuses on the positive outcome resulting from the favour.

an act of generosity

Emphasizes the generous nature of the person doing the favour.

a valuable contribution

Highlights the favour as an important contribution.

a really good turn

Highlights the positive action, often used in a British context.

a boon

A more formal and less common way to express a great benefit.

a solid assist

A more informal way to describe help or support.

FAQs

How can I politely request "a great favour"?

You can soften the request by saying, "Would you be willing to do me "a great favour"?" or "I would be grateful if you could do me "a great favour"."

What's the difference between "a great favour" and "a small favour"?

"A great favour" implies a significant act of help, while "a small favour" refers to a minor or less demanding request. The choice depends on the scale of assistance you require.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a great favour"?

Use "a great favour" when you are asking for something that requires significant effort or will provide substantial benefit. It's suitable when the request is beyond everyday assistance.

What can I say to show gratitude after someone does "a great favour" for me?

Express sincere appreciation by saying, "I am deeply grateful for "a great favour"" or "I truly appreciate you doing me "a great favour"" followed by specific details about how their help benefited you.