a great miracle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great miracle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extraordinary event or occurrence that is perceived as a divine intervention or an astonishing happening. Example: "The sudden recovery of the patient was considered a great miracle by the doctors and the family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A great miracle happened there.

The New York Times

Some writers have depicted the episode as a great miracle.

The New Yorker

In the August vision the Lady promised a great miracle for October.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But at the very moment of the death of the bull, a great miracle happened.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Julie George, a political scientist at Queens College who studies Georgia, told me that, by 2012, Saakashvili's tenure could in no way be considered a "great miracle".

The New Yorker

Don't worry about my life, because if the Creator of the Universe has decreed that the book be taken out by me, it will be a great miracle that the Creator of the Universe is performing for my sake".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?" asked Henry David Thoreau, the 19th-century American philosopher and abolitionist.

Independent

The new version is sprinkled with pull quotes highlighting Thoreau's "powerful one-liners", such as "could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?" And at the end, a selection of the author's "most arresting passages" are presented as prose poems.

The Guardian - Books

In the essay "Economy," from "Walden," he asked, "Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?" The beauty of photography is that it freezes that instant, extending it for as long as we care to look.

The New York Times - Arts

Surely it is a greater miracle to provide a people with the miraculous food of manna than to throw some cumulus shade over them?

Huffington Post

As Henry David Thoreau said, Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great miracle" when you want to emphasize the exceptional and awe-inspiring nature of an event, often with religious or spiritual undertones.

Common error

Avoid using "a great miracle" to describe ordinary positive events. Reserve it for truly extraordinary occurrences to maintain its impact and avoid sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

Noun Phrase: The phrase "a great miracle" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to an extraordinary event or occurrence often attributed to divine intervention or supernatural causes. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

14%

Reference

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great miracle" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an extraordinary event, often associated with divine intervention or exceptional fortune. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for truly remarkable occurrences to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives include "an extraordinary phenomenon" or "a miraculous event". Keep in mind that this phrase is neutral, and its formality depends on the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a miraculous event

Synonymous, simply replaces "great" with "miraculous".

an act of God

Directly attributes the event to divine power.

a divine intervention

Emphasizes the role of a higher power.

an incredible blessing

Frames the event as a gift or favor.

a providential event

Suggests the event was guided by divine foresight.

an extraordinary phenomenon

Replaces 'miracle' with a more general term for an unusual occurrence.

a wondrous occurrence

Highlights the feeling of awe and wonder.

an amazing stroke of luck

Focuses on the fortunate and unexpected nature of the event.

a stunning revelation

Focuses on the surprising and enlightening nature of the event.

a fortunate happenstance

Highlights the chance and positive nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great miracle" to describe events perceived as divine interventions or incredibly fortunate occurrences. For instance, "The unexpected recovery was considered "a great miracle" by the community".

What are some alternatives to using "a great miracle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an extraordinary phenomenon", "a miraculous event", or "a divine intervention" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it appropriate to use "a great miracle" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. In formal settings, phrases like "an extraordinary event" or "a remarkable occurrence" might be more suitable unless the context explicitly involves religious or spiritual themes.

What distinguishes "a great miracle" from a regular miracle?

The adjective "great" amplifies the scale and impact of the miracle, suggesting it is particularly significant, awe-inspiring, or has far-reaching consequences compared to an ordinary miracle.