a relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a relief" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used when describing a feeling of relief or the alleviation of a burden. For example, "The news that our flight had not been cancelled was a relief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's more a relief.

The New York Times - Sports

A relief, actually.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes that's a relief.

The New York Times - Books

It is a relief.

The New Yorker

Well, that's a relief.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which is a relief.

The New York Times - Travel

Daylight was a relief.

The New York Times

That is a relief.

The New York Times

Such a relief.

The Guardian - Books

Such a relief, right?

The Economist

What a relief.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a relief" to express a feeling of comfort or happiness after a period of stress or worry. For example, "It was a relief to finally finish the project."

Common error

Avoid using "relief" as a verb. The correct usage is as a noun, often preceded by 'a' or used with adjectives like 'great' or 'immense'. Incorrect: 'The news relieved me.' Correct: 'The news was a relief to me'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relief" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It signifies something that alleviates distress, worry, or difficulty. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in expressing feelings of comfort or release after a period of tension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a relief" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a feeling of comfort after a period of stress or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalent use, particularly in news and media. To enhance your writing, consider using related phrases like "a welcome ease" or "a burden lifted" to add variety. Remember that "relief" functions as a noun and should not be used as a verb. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "a relief" into your writing to convey feelings of alleviation and reassurance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weight off my shoulders

This idiom illustrates the feeling of reduced stress and responsibility.

a burden lifted

This alternative emphasizes the removal of a weight or responsibility that was causing stress.

a load lightened

This option emphasizes the reduction in the amount of something that was difficult to bear.

a welcome ease

This alternative suggests a lessening of difficulty or pressure that is appreciated.

a sense of reassurance

This phrase concentrates on the feeling of confidence and certainty after a period of doubt or worry.

a comforting thought

This phrase focuses on the mental aspect of feeling better, suggesting a sense of peace and reassurance.

a fortunate turn

This phrase highlights the positive change in circumstances, suggesting luck or good fortune.

a pleasant surprise

This option indicates an unexpected positive outcome, emphasizing the element of surprise.

a soothing balm

This metaphorical expression suggests something that heals or comforts, reducing emotional pain.

a stroke of luck

This alternative conveys the idea that the positive outcome was due to chance or good fortune.

FAQs

How can I use "a relief" in a sentence?

Use "a relief" to express a feeling of comfort or reassurance after a period of stress or difficulty. For example: "The end of the exam was "a relief"." or "It's "a relief" to know everyone is safe."

What are some synonyms for "a relief"?

Alternatives to "a relief" include phrases such as "a welcome ease", "a comforting thought", or "a burden lifted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a relief"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a relief" is commonly used as a noun to express a feeling of alleviation or comfort after stress or difficulty. For example: "The rain after the drought was "a relief"".

What is the difference between "relief" and "a relief"?

"Relief" is the general state of feeling freed from distress, while "a relief" refers to a specific instance or cause of that feeling. For example, "I felt relief" expresses the emotion, while "The news was "a relief"" indicates the cause of the positive feeling.