all-time great

USAGE SUMMARY

"all-time great" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in reference to something that is considered to be exceptional and outstanding in comparison to its peers. For example: "Michael Jordan is regarded as an all-time great in the basketball world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"An all-time great celebrator".

The Guardian - Sport

"Is he an all-time great?

The Guardian - Sport

"One of the all-time great enablers".

The New Yorker

P. D. James is an all-time great.

The New York Times

Does he want to be an N.B.A. all-time great?

The New Yorker

It's one of the all-time great screen debuts.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We lost an all time great tonight".

Independent

Bert was one of the all time great acoustic guitarists and singer-songwriters.

The New Yorker

It is very difficult say who is all time great.

BBC

Manny P proved himself as a all time great as Khan is doing!

BBC

Rayner called his performance "one of the all time great cameos," and Jacobson called it "fun".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all-time great", ensure that the subject has a significant and demonstrable history of success to justify the superlative.

Common error

Avoid using "all-time great" to describe someone with only recent or limited success. Reserve it for individuals with a long and consistently exceptional track record.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all-time great" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to indicate exceptional quality and historical significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all-time great" serves as a powerful adjective denoting exceptional quality and historical significance. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. With a source quality score of 89, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Sports contexts. When writing, ensure the subject has a sustained record of achievement to justify this superlative. Consider alternatives such as "legendary figure" or "greatest of all time" for variety. Remember, while versatile, it's best reserved for contexts where extraordinary merit is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest of all time

A more emphatic version expressing superlative achievement.

historic champion

Emphasizes the historical significance of the individual's championship.

legendary figure

Focuses on the iconic and storied nature of the individual.

iconic performer

Highlights the performer's status as a representative icon.

unparalleled talent

Emphasizes the unmatched skill and ability of the individual.

top-tier player

Focuses on the individual's high ranking and performance level.

hall of famer

Specifically refers to someone inducted into a hall of fame, indicating lasting recognition.

preeminent master

Highlights the individual's mastery and standing above others.

record-breaking artist

Focuses on achievements that surpass previous records.

consummate professional

Emphasizes skill, experience, and good behaviour in professional activity.

FAQs

How can I use "all-time great" in a sentence?

You can use "all-time great" to describe someone or something considered to be the best of all time in a particular field. For instance, "Wayne Gretzky is considered an all-time great hockey player."

What's a good substitute for "all-time great"?

Alternatives include "legendary figure", "greatest of all time", or "iconic performer", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "all-time great" in formal writing?

Yes, "all-time great" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when discussing notable achievements or figures in sports, arts, or other fields.

What distinguishes an "all-time great" from simply a "great" individual?

An "all-time great" is considered the best across all eras, whereas a "great" individual may be outstanding but not necessarily the best when compared to historical figures.