a precious find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precious find" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a valuable or significant discovery, often in contexts related to archaeology, treasure hunting, or personal experiences. Example: "While exploring the old attic, I stumbled upon a precious find: a box of letters from my grandparents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Even a used (that's right — someone else's) Chanel lipstick is a precious find.

The New York Times

A rent-stabilized apartment in New York is a precious find.

The New York Times

For a nation of linguistic no-hopers like we Brits, Michel Thomas is a precious find indeed.

The Guardian

At the Giornate, the commentary was delivered, in an English translation, by Paul McGann, and as Robinson says, it is not just entertaining, but a historic document from the era of the cinema of attractions, and one of the many aspects that makes Crusoé such a precious find: "Here is someone actually saying: 'I am making a play.' No one was making a play [on film] in 1902".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Rousham Park House & Garden A rare and precious find, Rousham House boasts a 20-acre 18th-century garden by the 'father of the picturesque', William Kent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Must Farm's textiles are an especially precious find.

Science Magazine

A nurse is an even more precious find for Africa.

Forbes

Because I thought the information in the manuscript was such a rare and precious find that they'd be interested in it.

The New Yorker

Speaking on condition that he not be identified, he said the 1918 misprint was his most precious find; he also has the correct version, worth only a few hundred dollars, in which the airplane flies right side up.

The New York Times

Precious finds a way out of her traumatic daily life by escaping into daydreams.

Wikipedia

In addition to its use as a precious gem, corundum finds some use as an abrasive, owing to the extreme hardness of the material (9 on the Mohs hardness scale).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precious find", consider the context to ensure the adjective "precious" accurately reflects the value or significance of the discovery. For instance, it's suitable for rare artifacts or personally meaningful items.

Common error

Avoid using "a precious find" to describe everyday occurrences or trivial discoveries. Overusing "precious" can diminish its impact when describing something truly valuable or significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precious find" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or direct object in a sentence. It denotes something of considerable value or significance that has been discovered. The usage examples provided by Ludwig confirm this, showing it applied to tangible items and intangible concepts alike.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science & Research

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precious find" is a noun phrase used to describe something valuable or significant that has been discovered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase is appropriate for emphasizing the worth of a discovery, especially in news, encyclopedic, and general contexts. When writing, ensure "precious" accurately reflects the value and avoid overusing it in commonplace situations. Alternatives such as "a valuable discovery" or "a rare treasure" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable discovery

Replaces "precious" with "valuable", focusing on the worth of the finding.

a remarkable find

Emphasizes the unusual and noteworthy nature of the finding.

a rare treasure

Substitutes "find" with "treasure", highlighting the rarity and worth of the item.

a significant discovery

Focuses on the importance and impact of the finding.

a exceptional discovery

It highlights the quality and rarity of finding.

a fortunate discovery

Emphasizes the luck involved in making the finding.

a gem of a find

Uses a metaphorical expression to emphasize the value of the find.

an invaluable asset

Highlights the usefulness and importance of the finding.

a cherished discovery

Implies the find is held in high regard and affection.

a prized possession

Shifts the focus to something already owned and valued.

FAQs

How can I use "a precious find" in a sentence?

"A precious find" is typically used to describe something valuable, rare, or significant that has been discovered. For example, "The archaeologist considered the ancient artifact a precious find".

What can I say instead of "a precious find"?

You can use alternatives like "a valuable discovery", "a rare treasure", or "a significant discovery" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe an idea as "a precious find"?

While less common, you can use "a precious find" metaphorically to describe a valuable or insightful idea, especially if it's original or rare. Ensure the context makes the metaphorical use clear.

Which is the correct plural form: "precious finds" or "precious findings"?

"Precious finds" is the correct plural form when referring to multiple valuable discoveries. "Findings" typically refers to the results of a study or investigation.