a valuable lesson

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valuable lesson" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an important teaching or insight gained from an experience. Example: "After facing numerous challenges in the project, I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We learned a valuable lesson".

The New York Times - Sports

I learned a valuable lesson.

The New York Times

A valuable lesson for children.

The New Yorker

"We learned a valuable lesson," he said.

The New York Times

And in this is a valuable lesson.

The New York Times

It was a valuable lesson, hard won.

The New York Times

That also is a valuable lesson".

Independent

We've learned a valuable lesson.

The New York Times - Sports

It'll be a valuable lesson either way.

The New Yorker

A valuable lesson at any age.

The New York Times

A valuable lesson for the schoolboy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using “a valuable lesson”, consider adding context to clarify what made the lesson valuable, such as improved decision-making or greater resilience.

Common error

Avoid using “a valuable lesson” when the learning outcome was trivial or insignificant. Reserve it for situations where genuine insight or improvement occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “a valuable lesson” functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a direct object or a predicate nominative, denoting something learned or understood that is considered beneficial or important. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

20%

General

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a valuable lesson” is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an important insight gained from an experience. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is frequently used in news, sports, and general contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral, overusing it for trivial learning can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like “"a key takeaway"” or “"an important insight"” for nuanced expression. In essence, using “a valuable lesson” effectively involves reserving it for truly significant learning moments and providing context to highlight its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial learning experience

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the lesson learned.

an important insight

Focuses on the understanding gained rather than the learning process.

a key takeaway

Highlights the main point or conclusion derived from an event or situation.

a significant learning curve

Refers to the rate of acquiring new skills or knowledge, often implying difficulty.

an eye-opening revelation

Suggests a surprising and transformative discovery.

a formative experience

Highlights the impact of the lesson on shaping one's character or future.

a memorable learning opportunity

Focuses on the event or situation that provided the lesson.

a hard-earned wisdom

Implies that the lesson was gained through difficulty or struggle.

a guiding principle

Highlights the lesson as something that informs future decisions and actions.

a practical lesson

Emphasizes the applicability and usefulness of the lesson.

FAQs

How can I use "a valuable lesson" in a sentence?

You can use "a valuable lesson" to describe something important learned from an experience. For example, "Failing the exam taught me "a valuable lesson" about the importance of preparation".

What are some alternatives to "a valuable lesson"?

Some alternatives include "a key takeaway", "an important insight", or "a crucial learning experience" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "valuable lesson learned" or "a valuable lesson"?

"A valuable lesson" is generally preferred as it's more grammatically correct and commonly used. "Valuable lesson learned" can sound redundant because a lesson, by definition, is something learned.

In what contexts is "a valuable lesson" most appropriate?

The phrase is suitable in various contexts, from personal anecdotes to professional analysis, where highlighting the significance of learning from an event is relevant. It's common in "news and media", sports reports, and self-reflection pieces.