a great shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a successful photograph, a well-executed sports play, or a good attempt at something. Example: "The photographer captured a great shot of the sunset over the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a great shot.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's got a great shot.

Independent

He is a great shot.

The New Yorker

"That was a great shot".

The New York Times - Sports

"What a great shot".

The New York Times - Sports

"I think she has a great shot".

The New York Times

"That was a great shot," he said.

The New York Times

"It was a great shot," Strickland said.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't a great shot.

The New York Times - Sports

I said: 'Tiger, that's a great shot.

The New York Times - Sports

"Oh and what a great shot.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action in sports or games, use descriptive adjectives before "shot" to add impact. For instance, instead of simply saying "a great shot", consider "a stunning shot" or "a decisive shot" to provide more detail and context.

Common error

While "a great shot" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional language such as "an excellent attempt" or "a strategic move" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action, attempt or opportunity that is of high quality or successful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great shot" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a successful attempt, skillful action, or favorable opportunity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it may be too informal for highly academic or professional contexts, its adaptable nature makes it suitable for various scenarios. Remember to use descriptive adjectives to enhance the impact, and consider alternatives like "an excellent attempt" or "a strategic move" for a more sophisticated tone. Whether you're discussing sports, photography, or general accomplishments, "a great shot" effectively conveys admiration and approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent attempt

Focuses on the quality of the effort made, highlighting skill and precision.

a superb effort

Emphasizes the high quality and admirable nature of the endeavor.

an outstanding performance

Stresses the exceptional quality and skill displayed in an action or event.

an impressive play

Highlights the skillful and effective execution of a maneuver or action.

a remarkable feat

Highlights the extraordinary and impressive nature of the accomplishment.

a masterful stroke

Suggests a high level of skill and artistry in a particular action.

a brilliant maneuver

Emphasizes the cleverness and effectiveness of a particular action.

a fantastic opportunity

Shifts the focus to the advantageous nature of a chance or possibility.

a golden opportunity

Implies a valuable and potentially life-changing chance.

a well-aimed throw

Focuses on the accuracy and precision of a projectile action.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "an excellent attempt", "a superb effort", or "a remarkable feat" depending on the context.

How is "a great shot" used in sports contexts?

In sports, "a great shot" typically refers to a skillful and successful play that results in a positive outcome, such as scoring a goal or making a winning move. It's often used to praise a player's performance.

Is "a great shot" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a great shot" might be too informal for highly professional or academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "an outstanding performance" for a more sophisticated tone.

What are some common contexts where "a great shot" is used?

"A great shot" is commonly used in sports, photography, and general situations to describe successful attempts or impressive actions. Its versatility makes it suitable for various scenarios.