a treasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a treasure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something valuable, either literally or figuratively. For example: "The untold stories my grandfather shared are a real treasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A treasure.

The New Yorker

"Manpower is a treasure".

The New York Times

It's a treasure.

The New York Times

It's a treasure trove.

The New York Times

She is a treasure.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a treasure trove".

The New York Times - Science

Unearth a treasure?

Princeton University

A treasure is reborn.

The Guardian - Arts

It's also a treasure.

The New York Times - Style

A treasure, indeed.

The Guardian - Books

She's a treasure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a treasure" to describe a person, ensure the context makes it clear that you are referring to their admirable qualities or contributions, not objectifying them.

Common error

Avoid using "a treasure" to describe something of trivial value. The phrase implies significant worth, so use it appropriately to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a treasure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to identify something of great value or worth. Ludwig shows that it can refer to both tangible objects and intangible qualities or people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a treasure" is a common and versatile phrase used to denote something of significant value, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Analysis of various sources, including news outlets and academic papers, reveals its prevalence across diverse contexts. While appropriate for general and informal use, more specific terms may be preferred in formal or business settings. Overall, "a treasure" remains a powerful and evocative way to express admiration and appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gem

Focuses on rarity and preciousness.

a jewel

Implies something of high value and beauty.

a boon

Emphasizes the beneficial aspect.

a delight

Highlights the pleasure and enjoyment derived.

a find

Suggests discovering something valuable, often unexpectedly.

a godsend

Implies a fortunate and timely benefit.

a prize

Emphasizes achievement and winning.

an asset

Highlights the usefulness and value in a practical sense.

a pearl

Suggests uniqueness and beauty, often hidden.

a windfall

Implies unexpected good fortune or gain.

FAQs

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

You can use "a treasure" to describe something valuable: "This antique book is "a treasure"." It can also describe a person: "My grandmother is "a treasure" to our family."

What are some alternatives to saying "a treasure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a gem", "a delight", or "a windfall" to express the value or benefit something provides.

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

Yes, but it changes the meaning. "The treasure" refers to a specific, known valuable item. "A treasure" refers to something generally valuable or someone cherished as "a gem".

Can "a treasure" be used in formal writing?

Yes, though it's more common in descriptive or appreciative contexts. In formal or business writing, consider more precise terms like "an asset" or "a valuable resource" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.