a great lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an important teaching moment or valuable experience that imparts knowledge or insight. Example: "After reflecting on my mistakes, I realized that failure can be a great lesson in resilience and growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a great lesson".

The New York Times

So that was a great lesson.

The New York Times

That was a great lesson for me.

The New York Times

"It was a great lesson for me.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a great lesson.

The New Yorker

I learned a great lesson with that.

The Guardian - Film

I think it's a great lesson.

The New York Times

"It's a great lesson for us," McCallie said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a great lesson to never set limits.

The New York Times

"It was a great lesson," Simms said last week.

The New York Times - Sports

In all, the series taught a great lesson.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great lesson" to emphasize that the learning experience was particularly impactful or valuable. It suggests a positive and significant outcome from the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a great lesson" as a generic placeholder. Ensure you provide enough context about what the lesson was and why it was significant to maintain clarity and impact for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great lesson" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement of a verb. It describes something learned that is considered valuable or important. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great lesson" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a valuable learning experience. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various sources, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to specify the nature of the lesson and its significance. Consider alternatives like "a valuable lesson" or "an important lesson" to add nuance. Remember that clarity and specificity will enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable learning experience

Focuses on the experience aspect of the lesson.

an important learning opportunity

Highlights the chance to learn something significant.

a significant insight

Emphasizes the understanding gained from the lesson.

a profound realization

Suggests a deep and impactful understanding.

a key takeaway

Highlights the most important point learned.

a pivotal learning moment

Indicates that the lesson was a turning point.

an eye-opening experience

Implies that the lesson revealed something new or surprising.

a formative experience

Suggests that the lesson significantly shaped someone's development.

a crucial understanding

Emphasizes the critical nature of the knowledge gained.

a revelation

Highlights the lesson as a moment of significant discovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great lesson" to describe a significant learning experience, for example: "Failing that exam was "a great lesson" in the importance of preparation."

What can I say instead of "a great lesson"?

You can use alternatives like "a valuable lesson", "an important lesson", or "a key takeaway" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a greater lesson" instead of "a great lesson"?

While both are grammatically correct, ""a great lesson"" is generally used to describe a significant learning experience. "A greater lesson" implies that one lesson is more important than another.

What makes a lesson "great"?

A "great lesson" typically involves a significant realization, a change in perspective, or a valuable piece of knowledge gained from an experience. It's a lesson that leaves a lasting impact.