a great game

USAGE SUMMARY

"a great game" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is entertaining or fun. For example: "It was such a great game that I stayed up all night playing it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pool's a great game.

The New Yorker

What a great game.

The New York Times

"We have a great game.

The New York Times - Sports

"He called a great game".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a great game.

The New York Times

"That was a great game.

The New Yorker

Still, it was a great game.

The New Yorker

And what a great game that was.

Independent

We had a great game plan.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a great game," Gee said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It was a great game," Stoudemire said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great game" when you want to express enjoyment, admiration, or a positive assessment of a game's quality, excitement, or strategic depth. Ensure the context is appropriate for this generally enthusiastic and positive expression.

Common error

Avoid using "a great game" in overly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or descriptive term might be more appropriate. Consider terms like 'a strategically complex game' or 'a well-executed match' to convey specific qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great game" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, in this case, 'game'. It serves to describe the game, imbuing it with a positive attribute. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great game" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express enjoyment or admiration for a game. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is suitable for various contexts, though potentially informal for academic or highly professional settings. The phrase's frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media. When writing, consider the level of formality required and select a more descriptive alternative if necessary. While "a great game" is widely accepted and understood, tailoring your language to the specific audience and context will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent game

Replaces "great" with a synonym of similar intensity, emphasizing the high quality of the game.

a fantastic match

Substitutes "game" with "match", more suitable for certain sports or competitions, while maintaining a positive assessment.

an amazing contest

Replaces "game" with "contest", highlighting the competitive aspect of the event with enthusiasm.

a superb performance

Shifts the focus from the game itself to the quality of play within the game, still reflecting positive regard.

a brilliant show

Emphasizes the entertainment value, applicable if the game is appreciated as a spectacle.

a memorable experience

Broadens the scope to the overall impression and lasting impact of the game on the viewer or participant.

a top-notch competition

Uses more formal language to describe a high-quality competitive event.

a remarkable event

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy nature of the game.

an outstanding display

Focuses on the skill and talent exhibited during the game, implying high praise.

a first-rate pastime

Describes the game as an enjoyable and superior recreational activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great game" to describe a sporting event, video game, or any competitive activity that you found enjoyable or impressive. For example, "That was "a great game", the team played exceptionally well!"

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an excellent match", "a fantastic competition", or "a superb performance" to convey a similar meaning while varying your vocabulary. These alternatives are useful when you want to provide a more precise description of what made the game enjoyable.

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

While "a great game" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, it may be too informal for academic or highly professional settings. Consider using more descriptive or analytical language in such cases to better suit the tone and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "a great game" and "a good game"?

"A great game" suggests a higher level of enjoyment or quality than "a good game". While both indicate a positive experience, "a great game" implies that the event was particularly memorable, exciting, or well-played, exceeding typical expectations.