a real treasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"a real treasure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very valuable or precious. Example: "The antique watch my grandfather gave me is a real treasure to our family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It's a real treasure".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think StoryCorps is a real treasure.

The New Yorker

"It's a real treasure trove he stumbled upon".

The New York Times - Books

Not known by many, this is a real treasure.

The Guardian - Travel

East Sussex is… a real treasure trove of vintage finds.

Independent

Only once so far, however, have I found a real treasure.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Further, she didn't want to risk the family silver in an institution, or her real treasure: a painting that had come down through her family for nearly a century, a night stampede by the cowboy artist Charlie Russell, one of very few Russell night pictures in existence, which would likely fetch a couple of million dollars at auction.

The New Yorker

The creased spines and turned down pages, those makeshift bookmarks from a bygone age, all signs that the book, which is now yours, has been in the past a real, tangible, treasured possession.

The Guardian - Opinion

And one real treasure, a book for a lifetime's reading: a 1955 English reprint of "A Woman In Berlin," a masterpiece of memoir; decades on, this book would be republished, and it, too, was made into a film.

The New Yorker

For example, geocaching paths — a fun and active real treasure hunt — can be found just about anywhere.

Huffington Post

Bragging rights can be rewarding, but for some collectors, a solitary moment with a vintage card is the real treasure.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real treasure" to describe something that holds significant value, either tangible or intangible. Ensure the context makes it clear what type of value is being emphasized, whether it's monetary, sentimental, or practical.

Common error

Avoid using "a real treasure" in overly sentimental or clichéd situations where it loses its impact. Instead, opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey the item's or person's unique worth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real treasure" primarily functions as a noun phrase or a predicate nominative, often used to describe something or someone of significant value or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a real treasure" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something or someone of significant value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, writers should be mindful of avoiding overuse in clichéd contexts. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "a true gem" or "a genuine asset" to provide variety. The phrase's frequency and consistent application across reputable sources underscore its reliability and effectiveness in conveying appreciation and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a true gem

Emphasizes rarity and value, similar to a precious stone.

a priceless gift

Stresses the irreplaceability and sentimental worth.

a genuine asset

Highlights the practical benefit and positive contribution.

a valuable find

Focuses on the act of discovering something worthwhile.

a rare find

Highlights the uniqueness and scarcity of the object or person.

an exceptional person

Applies the concept of treasure to a person's qualities.

an invaluable contribution

Focuses on the significant impact and benefit provided.

a precious resource

Emphasizes the importance and utility of the entity.

a remarkable individual

Emphasizes the noteworthy qualities of a person.

an authentic masterpiece

Highlights the artistic or skilled nature of the entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real treasure" to describe something or someone highly valued. For example, "This antique map is a real treasure" or "She's a real treasure to our team".

What are some alternatives to saying "a real treasure"?

You can use alternatives such as "a true gem", "a genuine asset", or "a valuable find" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a real treasure" in formal writing?

Yes, "a real treasure" is generally appropriate in formal writing, but consider the specific context. It's suitable when emphasizing genuine value or importance.

What's the difference between "a real treasure" and "a hidden gem"?

"A real treasure" generally refers to something of known value, while "a hidden gem" implies something valuable that is not widely known or easily discovered.