a real find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real find" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something or someone that is a great discovery or impressive in some way. Example: "We stumbled upon this quaint little coffee shop in the city and it turned out to be a real find. The atmosphere was charming and the coffee was delicious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Trishna is a real find.

Independent

Escoffery is a real find.

The Guardian - Music

"They were a real find," says Könnemann.

The Guardian - Arts

His "Three Early Songs," though uncharacteristic, are a real find.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Solano, a taut classicist, is a real find.

The New York Times - Arts

I love these two – they are a real find.

Independent

WINE LIST A real find for frugal drinkers.

The New York Times

We know we've stumbled on a real find.

The Guardian - Travel

With her faraway look, she's enormously compelling, a real find.

The New York Times

A terrific film and a real find in Cannes.

The Guardian - Film

Two minutes' walk from Lime Street station, Maharaja is a real find.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real find" to express genuine excitement and appreciation for something or someone newly discovered. It often implies the discovery was unexpected and of high value.

Common error

While "a real find" is a positive expression, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "gem", "treasure", or "valuable asset".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real find" functions primarily as a noun phrase or an adjectival phrase. It typically acts as a subjective complement, describing something that has been discovered and is considered valuable or impressive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is both correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Travel

14%

Arts

14%

Less common in

Books

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a real find" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote something valuable or impressive that has been discovered. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, travel, and arts-related content. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and explore synonyms to maintain writing freshness. Ludwig’s examples confirm the phrase's widespread use across authoritative sources, reinforcing its legitimacy and utility in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable find

Stresses the noteworthy and significant quality of the discovery.

a genuine discovery

Emphasizes the authenticity and unexpected nature of the discovery.

a true gem

Highlights the preciousness and exceptional quality of the found item or person.

a significant discovery

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the finding.

a valuable asset

Focuses on the usefulness and positive contribution of the find.

an exceptional talent

Specifically refers to discovering a person with outstanding abilities.

a fortunate acquisition

Implies that the discovery was a result of luck or good fortune.

a stroke of luck

Underlines the element of chance involved in the positive discovery.

a pleasant surprise

Highlights the unexpected and delightful nature of the find.

a hidden treasure

Suggests that the find was previously unknown or overlooked.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real find" to describe something unexpectedly valuable or impressive that you have discovered. For example, "This little restaurant is "a real find"; the food is amazing and the prices are reasonable."

What are some synonyms for "a real find"?

Alternatives to "a real find" include "a genuine discovery", "a true gem", "a valuable asset", or "a pleasant surprise". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a real find" formal or informal?

"A real find" is generally considered to be fairly neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. It's suitable for everyday conversation and many types of writing.

Can "a real find" refer to a person?

Yes, "a real find" can definitely refer to a person, especially someone who is talented, helpful, or otherwise impressive. For example, "Our new employee is "a real find"; she's incredibly efficient and always willing to help out."