a great loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a great loss' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe the feeling of grief and sorrow that comes from a tragic event or death. For example, "The entire community was shocked by the news of John's death; it was a great loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Juan Carlos died unexpectedly during this study—a great loss to science.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It's a great loss.

The New York Times

"A great loss".

The New York Times

"This is a great loss".

The New York Times

It was a great loss".

The New York Times

But it is still a great loss".

Independent

"To me, that's a great loss.

The New York Times

Our enemies have suffered a great loss.

The New York Times

I feel a great loss.

The New York Times

It is a great loss".

The Guardian - Arts

What a great loss Argentina and America are suffering!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing sympathy, follow the phrase "a great loss" with a specific detail to personalize your sentiment. For example, "His passing is a great loss to the scientific community because of his groundbreaking research."

Common error

While "a great loss" is a common expression, overuse can diminish its impact. To maintain authenticity, vary your language by incorporating alternative phrases like "a significant loss" or "a profound loss", especially when expressing repeated condolences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, expressing a sentiment of regret or sorrow over someone or something that is no longer present. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great loss" is a widely used phrase to express sorrow or regret, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and serves the communicative purpose of conveying sadness or a sense of deprivation. While suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific reports, and professional communication, its frequency in news and media underscores its role in reporting significant events. Ludwig's examples further illustrate the phrase's versatile application in expressing condolences and acknowledging impactful detriments. Consider personalizing this phrase with specific details to add authenticity and avoid overuse, opting for alternatives like "a significant loss" or "a profound loss" to prevent diminishing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant loss

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the loss.

a considerable loss

Highlights the magnitude of what has been lost.

a grievous loss

Implies deep sorrow and suffering due to the loss.

a profound loss

Stresses the deep emotional impact and lasting effects.

an irreparable loss

Focuses on the impossibility of recovering what has been lost.

a regrettable loss

Emphasizes the feeling of sadness and disappointment.

a lamentable loss

Expresses sorrow and regret in a more formal tone.

a tragic loss

Highlights the devastating and unfortunate nature of the loss.

a bitter loss

Emphasizes the painful and unpleasant aspects of the loss.

a painful loss

Focuses on the emotional suffering caused by the loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great loss" to express sorrow or regret over something or someone that is gone. For example, "The closure of the local library is "a great loss" for the community" or "Her passing is "a great loss" to the art world."

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

Some alternatives include "a significant loss", "a considerable loss", or "a profound loss". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a great loss" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the tone and audience. In some contexts, a more specific or nuanced phrase might be more effective. For instance "an irreparable loss" may be a stronger alternative.

What's the difference between "a great loss" and "a big loss"?

While both phrases convey a sense of sorrow or regret, "a great loss" typically implies a more profound and significant impact than "a big loss". "A great loss" suggests something deeply felt or widely impactful, while "a big loss" can refer to something of considerable size or importance, but not necessarily deeply emotional.