a great force

USAGE SUMMARY

"a great force" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a powerful presence, either physical or figurative. For example, "He was a great force in the classroom, always pushing the other students to do their best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The arts are a great force for bringing people together".

The New York Times - Arts

"He has a great force of will," Mr. Yang said.

The New York Times - Arts

Poverty is a great force behind the appreciation and reuse of materials.

The New York Times

"This is still a great force of diplomacy, to get our message across," Lugar said.

The Washington Post

He, like many others at the time, imagined social media as a great force for good.

The New York Times

War can be a great force for progress, and often has been and always will be.

The Guardian - Books

Operation Yewtree has been, in many ways, a great force for good.

The Guardian - Opinion

'A Hopeful Society Americaa is a great force for freedom and prosperity.

The New York Times

"We still have a great force, and I don't think anybody would say we don't.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Shame — a great, disciplining force in Arab life of old — quit Arab lands.

The New York Times

When writing about this festival, you inevitably have to push through a great force-field of received opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great force" to describe something that has a significant impact or influence. For example, "Technology is a great force for change."

Common error

While "a great force" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "significant influence", "powerful impact", or "dominant factor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great force" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a powerful entity or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great force" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something with significant power or influence. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, followed by scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's advisable to consider synonyms like "significant influence" or "powerful impact" to avoid overuse. Understanding its communicative purpose and register ensures effective and varied writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potent influence

Combination of synonymous words; highlights degree of influence.

a strong influence

Synonymous words that highlights intensity of effect.

a considerable power

Replaces "force" with "power", emphasizing the extent and influence.

a significant influence

Substitutes "force" with "influence", highlighting the effect on something or someone.

a powerful impact

Replaces "force" with "impact", focusing on the effect or result produced.

a dominant factor

Changes the phrase to emphasize the role of being a primary element in a situation.

a major player

Shifts the focus to the entity as an important participant or agent.

a compelling reason

Highlights the persuasiveness and power behind a cause.

a vital element

Highlights the essential nature and contribution.

a driving impetus

Focuses on the motivating energy or cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great force" to describe something that has a significant impact or influence. For instance, "Education is "a great force" for social progress."

What are some alternatives to using "a great force"?

Alternatives include "considerable power", "significant influence", or "powerful impact" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a major force" or "a great force"?

Both "a major force" and "a great force" are acceptable. "Major" emphasizes importance, while "great" emphasizes magnitude or impact. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a great force" and "a driving force"?

"A great force" describes something with significant power or influence. "A driving force" refers specifically to something that motivates or propels something else. They are similar but not interchangeable.