a great scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is large in size, extent, or importance, often in contexts related to measurement or comparison. Example: "The project was executed on a great scale, involving thousands of participants and extensive resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They saw we were changing things on a great scale.

The Guardian

Tenant opinion is not something that is very often gathered, and never on a great scale.

The Guardian

"The thing about Syracuse is that it's at a great scale," he said.

The New York Times

We saw in the United States what happens to a culture when it comes under attack, particularly in an unexpected way and on a great scale.

The New Yorker

Many of the incidents are difficult or impossible for outsiders to confirm, but there is clearly state-directed murder underway on a great scale.

The New Yorker

"I loved making Us Weekly, but I think this is a fantastic opportunity to take responsibility on a great scale," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

2012: The Guardian reveals that Husband's abuse was on a greater scale than previously thought.

The Guardian

It is true that the ambition of their violence is on a greater scale.

The Guardian

Of course, the events of 1968 were of a greater scale than those of Friday night.

The Guardian

The scope for innovation is on a greater scale now too.

The Guardian

Frequent use was made of off-balance-sheet vehicles, on a greater scale even than Enron.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great scale" when you want to emphasize that something is not only large but also impressive or important. It's particularly effective when describing projects, events, or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "a great scale" for minor or trivial matters. Using it inappropriately can make your writing sound exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great scale" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. It describes the magnitude or extent of an action, event, or object. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the large size, scope, or significance of something. Ludwig highlights its correctness and widespread presence in varied contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a large scale" or "a grand scale", it's important to use it judiciously and avoid applying it to insignificant subjects. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively leverage "a great scale" to add emphasis and impact to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large scale

Synonymous, emphasizes the extensive size or scope.

a grand scale

Implies impressiveness and ambitiousness in addition to size.

a vast scale

Highlights the immense extent or range.

a massive scale

Emphasizes the substantial and weighty nature of the size.

a considerable scale

Suggests that the size or extent is noteworthy and significant.

an enormous scale

Highlights the exceptional size and immensity.

a substantial scale

Focuses on the significant amount or degree.

an extensive scale

Highlights the broad reach and comprehensive nature.

a wide scale

Implies that something impacts many things or people.

a sweeping scale

Highlights the far-reaching and comprehensive impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great scale" to describe the size, extent, or impact of something. For example, "The company implemented changes on a great scale, affecting all departments."

What are some alternatives to "a great scale"?

Alternatives include "a large scale", "a grand scale", or "a vast scale", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "in a great scale" instead of "on a great scale"?

While "on a great scale" is the more common and idiomatic expression, "in a great scale" is less frequently used and might sound slightly awkward to native English speakers. It's generally better to stick with "on a great scale".

What is the difference between "a great scale" and "a greater scale"?

"A great scale" refers to something being large or significant in itself, while "a greater scale" implies a comparison, indicating that something is larger or more significant than something else. For example, "The project was ambitious, undertaken on a great scale," versus "The impact was felt on a greater scale than initially anticipated."