a great power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a nation or entity that has significant influence or strength in international relations or global affairs. Example: "Throughout history, a great power has often played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

France is a great power".

The New York Times - Books

America's a great power.

The Guardian

"America is a great power.

The Guardian

Gifted but extravagant, he made his nation a great power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But now a great power has come to Afghanistan".

The New Yorker

One is a great power and essential friend.

The New York Times

A great power has stumbled badly, against all expectations.

The New Yorker

But, India craves recognition as a great power.

The Economist

Are we going to be a great power?' " Lewis said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a great power, being able to do that".

The Guardian - Books

What if Russia starts to act as a great power?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a nation's potential, use "a great power" to underscore not just current status but also future capabilities and ambitions. For example, "India aspires to be a great power in the 21st century".

Common error

Avoid prematurely labeling a nation as "a great power" if its influence is still developing or limited to specific domains. Prematurely using the term could diminish the term's significance when truthfully applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great power" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, often used to characterize a country, entity, or even an individual that possesses significant influence and capabilities. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in describing international relations and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great power" is a descriptive phrase used to denote an entity, typically a nation, with substantial global influence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase functions to classify and acknowledge entities based on their strength and capabilities, and while generally neutral, it carries a formal nuance owing to its frequent appearance in academic and scientific sources. Related phrases include "a major force" and "a leading nation", offering nuanced alternatives. When using "a great power", it's best to emphasize potential future capabilities rather than overstating a nation's current status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major force

Focuses on the influential and impactful nature of the entity, shifting from power to influence.

a leading nation

Emphasizes the nation's position at the forefront of global affairs, highlighting leadership.

a dominant player

Highlights the entity's control or supremacy in a specific domain or globally.

a superpower

Indicates a nation with exceptional power and influence, representing the highest level of global dominance.

an influential country

Stresses the impact and effect the country has on international relations and other nations.

a powerful state

Replaces 'great' with 'powerful' maintaining similar meaning and focusing on state authority.

a commanding presence

Highlights the noticeable and authoritative effect an entity has, altering the focus to its impact.

a global leader

Emphasizes the entity's role in guiding and directing international efforts and initiatives.

a significant influence

Shifts from direct power to the ability to affect outcomes and decisions on a large scale.

a force to be reckoned with

Implies that the entity's power is such that it must be seriously considered and respected.

FAQs

How is the term "a great power" typically used in a sentence?

The term "a great power" is commonly used to describe a nation or entity that wields significant economic, political, or military influence on a global or regional scale. For example, "The United States is often considered "a great power" due to its economic strength and military capabilities".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a major force", "a leading nation", or "a dominant player" to convey a similar meaning.

What characteristics define "a great power"?

The characteristics defining "a great power" typically include significant economic strength, military might, political influence, and cultural impact on a global or regional scale. These factors enable the entity to exert influence and shape international affairs.

How does "a great power" differ from a regional power?

"A great power" typically exerts influence on a global scale, whereas a regional power's influence is primarily limited to a specific geographic area. Great powers often possess the resources and capabilities to project power and influence beyond their immediate region, unlike regional powers.