a great journey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a great journey' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a metaphorical or physical journey or journey that has been taken. For example, "I have been on a great journey of self-discovery this past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's been a great journey.

BBC

"Have a great journey".

The New Yorker

A great journey begins.

The Guardian - Music

It began a great journey.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's been a great journey," Lisicki said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's been a great journey," he said.

The New York Times

It's a great journey to be on".

The Guardian - Sport

We have reached the end of a great journey together.

The New Yorker

I planned a great journey in the Sahara.

The Guardian - Books

"I haven't regretted anything, and it's been a great journey for me so far.

The New York Times - Sports

To take us (into the top flight) after 104 years was a great journey for us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great journey" to describe experiences that have been particularly impactful or meaningful, whether physically, emotionally, or intellectually.

Common error

Avoid using "a great journey" in overly sentimental or predictable situations. Opt for more specific and evocative language to maintain the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great journey" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show that it often describes experiences with significant personal or historical impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Travel

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great journey" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe impactful experiences, both literal and metaphorical. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions to communicate admiration, reflect on a positive experience, or emphasize the significance of an event. Although suitable for various contexts, it's more prevalent in news, media, and sport, maintaining a primarily neutral tone. To avoid clichés, consider using specific and evocative language to describe meaningful experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incredible adventure

Replaces "journey" with "adventure", emphasizing excitement and the unknown.

a remarkable experience

Shifts focus from the journey itself to the overall impression and impact.

an extraordinary voyage

Uses "voyage" instead of "journey", often suggesting a longer, more significant trip.

a significant undertaking

Emphasizes the importance and effort involved in the journey.

a transformative process

Highlights the changes and growth that occur during the journey.

a wonderful trip

Replaces "journey" with "trip", offering a simpler and more casual alternative.

a fantastic expedition

Similar to "adventure", but often implies a more organized and purposeful journey.

an epic quest

Suggests a long and challenging journey with a specific goal.

a memorable pilgrimage

Implies a journey with a spiritual or significant cultural purpose.

an amazing odyssey

Uses "odyssey" to suggest a long and eventful journey filled with challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great journey" to describe a literal trip, as in "They embarked on a great journey across the country", or a metaphorical experience, such as "Her career has been a great journey of self-discovery".

What are some alternatives to "a great journey"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an incredible adventure", "a remarkable experience", or "an extraordinary voyage".

Is "a great journey" formal or informal?

"A great journey" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may sound slightly sentimental in some formal settings.

What makes a journey "great"?

A "great journey" typically implies that the experience was particularly significant, memorable, or transformative, often due to the challenges overcome, the lessons learned, or the impact it had on the individual or others.