a great height

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great height" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly elevated or tall, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The mountain reached a great height, making it a challenging climb for even the most experienced hikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pour things from a great height.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then the balloon rose "to a great height," Andrée wrote.

The New Yorker

Other surfaces were covered in petroglyphs to a great height.

The Guardian - Travel

It sounds like someone urinating from a great height.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had injuries consistent with falling from a great height".

The Guardian - Music

They're heavy enough to break bones when they fall from a great height.

Yale University

The most common site is in a tree and often at a great height.

Britannica

So the group decided to experiment - by dropping bowling balls from a great height.

The Guardian

Some passages sound like string quartets played backward, some like eggs dropped from a great height.

The New Yorker

What goes up, must … then drop a parcel from a great height.

MIT Technology Review

Swift's youthful feminist fire is pissed upon from a great height by other women.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great height" to describe physical elevation (mountains, buildings) or metaphorical elevation (achievements, social status).

Common error

Avoid using "a great height" to describe abstract qualities like intelligence or beauty. Instead, opt for phrases like "high level of intelligence" or "exceptional beauty."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great height" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial of place, specifying where something is or from where an action originates. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great height" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun phrase used to describe significant vertical distance or elevation, both literally and metaphorically. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While its primary function is descriptive, it effectively conveys scale and magnitude. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended context, avoiding misuse in abstract scenarios. Alternatives like "considerable altitude" or "significant elevation" can offer nuanced variations. Remember to use "a great height" to depict tangible or intangible high points accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable altitude

Replaces "height" with "altitude" emphasizing the vertical distance above a reference point, often sea level.

substantial elevation

Uses "elevation" instead of "height", stressing the state of being raised or lifted.

significant altitude

Similar to "considerable altitude" but uses "significant" instead, highlighting importance.

remarkable height

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the height.

towering altitude

Suggests an impressive and imposing height, creating a stronger visual image.

extreme height

Indicates a height that is at or beyond the usual limit.

considerable vertical distance

Replaces "height" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the measurable space.

lofty height

Employs "lofty", which suggests nobility and impressiveness along with great height.

extensive elevation

Highlights the range and breadth of the elevation.

pronounced altitude

Focuses on the obvious and easily noticeable nature of the height.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great height" to describe the elevation of a physical object or the extent of someone's achievement. For example: "The eagle soared to a great height" or "Her ambition drove her to achieve a great height in her career".

What are some alternatives to "a great height"?

Alternatives include "considerable altitude", "substantial elevation", or "significant altitude", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "great height" without the article "a"?

While "great height" can be used without the article "a" in certain contexts, using "a great height" is generally more common and natural, especially when referring to a specific instance or degree of height.

Can "a great height" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "a great height" can be used metaphorically to describe achievements, status, or any situation where someone or something has reached a high level. For example, "He rose to a great height in the company".