a thrill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thrill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of excitement or exhilaration. Example: "Riding the roller coaster was a thrill that I will never forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

CARE for a thrill?

The Economist

That was a thrill.

The New York Times

I'm a thrill seeker.

The New York Times

It is a thrill.

The New Yorker

It would be a thrill.

The New York Times

That was really a thrill".

The New Yorker

That was a thrill too.

The New Yorker

They bring a thrill.

The Guardian

Want a thrill?

The Guardian

Anyway, it's a thrill.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A: Thrilling.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thrill" to describe experiences that evoke a sense of excitement, pleasure, or exhilaration. It is suitable for both positive and slightly edgy contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a thrill" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound too informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a delightful experience" or "a significant event" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thrill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a verb. It denotes an instance or source of excitement and pleasure. As shown by Ludwig, the expression is commonly used across various contexts to describe something that evokes strong positive emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thrill" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe an experience or event that evokes excitement, pleasure, or exhilaration. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it's widely used across different types of texts, mainly in the News & Media context. While appropriate in many situations, it's best to consider your audience and adjust for overly formal contexts. For alternatives, you might consider using "an excitement", "a rush of excitement", or "a delightful experience" to fine-tune the specific tone you wish to convey. Remember that "a thrill" generally serves to express positive affect and enthusiasm for particular experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excitement

Replaces the word "thrill" with a direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of eager anticipation and enthusiasm.

an exhilarating sensation

Highlights the invigorating and thrilling feeling, suitable for describing physical or emotional excitement.

a rush of excitement

Adds intensity by specifying "a rush", implying a sudden and powerful surge of excitement.

a surge of pleasure

Focuses on the pleasurable sensation, similar to "a rush", but more centered on enjoyment.

a delightful experience

Shifts the focus to the positive and enjoyable nature of the experience, emphasizing pleasure.

a captivating moment

Emphasizes the engrossing and fascinating nature of the experience, drawing attention to its allure.

a joyous occasion

Highlights the happiness and celebration associated with the event, making it suitable for festive contexts.

a kick

An informal term for a sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure.

a buzz

Implies a lively and energetic feeling, often associated with excitement or anticipation.

a high

Suggests an elevated state of excitement or euphoria, often linked to intense experiences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thrill" to describe an exciting or pleasurable experience, such as "Riding the roller coaster was "a thrill"" or "It was "a thrill" to meet my favorite author".

What can I say instead of "a thrill"?

You can use alternatives like "an excitement", "a rush of excitement", or "a delightful experience" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the thrill" instead of "a thrill"?

While both can be correct, "a thrill" typically refers to a single, specific instance of excitement. "The thrill" often refers to the general concept or feeling of excitement, such as "the thrill of victory".

What's the difference between "a thrill" and "a pleasure"?

"A thrill" implies a more intense and perhaps slightly edgy excitement, while "a pleasure" suggests a more gentle and satisfying enjoyment. For example, skydiving might be "a thrill", while reading a good book might be "a pleasure".