a great one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great one" is a grammatically correct and commonly used part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is impressive, impressive, or exceptional. Here is an example: "The party last night was a great one. The food was delicious, the music was fantastic, and the company was even better." In this example, "a great one" is used to describe the party, emphasizing its overall success. It could also be used in a sentence like, "I've read a lot of books, but this one is a great one. The plot, characters, and writing are all superb."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Great One has passed.

The New York Times

It's a great one.

Cornell University

And a great one.

The Guardian - Film

He's a great one.

The New York Times - Sports

We had a great one.

The New Yorker

He is a great one.

The Guardian - Arts

But not a great one.

The Guardian - Film

He'd have been a great one.

The Washington Post

It makes him a great one.

The Guardian - Arts

"Gerry was a great one," Buddy said.

The New York Times

Your question is a great one.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great one" to express strong approval or admiration for something already mentioned, avoiding overuse by varying your descriptive language.

Common error

In professional or academic contexts, avoid overusing the phrase "a great one" as it can sound informal. Opt for more specific and sophisticated vocabulary to convey your admiration or approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great one" functions as a subjective complement, offering a positive evaluation of a previously mentioned noun or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct construction, with various examples illustrating its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great one" is a common and grammatically correct way to express strong approval or admiration, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a subjective complement and is versatile enough for neutral registers, though more specific language might be preferable in highly formal contexts. Ludwig's examples show it used across media, academia, and more. To avoid repetition and maintain sophistication, consider alternatives like "an excellent choice" or "a wonderful person". While frequently used, strategic variation will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent choice

Focuses on the quality of a decision or selection.

a fantastic opportunity

Highlights the positive potential of a situation.

a brilliant idea

Highlights the cleverness of a thought.

a wonderful person

Specifically refers to someone's character.

a remarkable achievement

Emphasizes the impressiveness of a completed task.

an exceptional talent

Focuses on innate ability.

a superb performance

Refers to the quality of an enactment or presentation.

an outstanding individual

Highlights a person's distinguished qualities.

a top-notch professional

Specifically praises someone's skills in a work setting.

a first-rate product

Emphasizes the product has high quality.

FAQs

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

Use "a great one" to refer back to something previously mentioned that you admire or approve of. For example, "That movie was truly memorable; it was a great one."

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

You can use alternatives like "an excellent choice", "a wonderful person", or "a fantastic opportunity" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a great one" might sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more specific and sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a great one" and "a good one"?

"A great one" implies a higher degree of admiration or quality than "a good one". "Great" suggests something exceptional, while "good" simply indicates something is satisfactory or above average.