at great

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at great" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in expressions that indicate a significant degree or extent of something, often followed by a noun. Example: "He undertook the project at great personal risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Clears throat at great length).

The New York Times - Books

Of course, it comes at great risk.

The New York Times

Internal competition is common at great companies.

The New York Times

And at great length.

The Guardian - Sport

But this privacy came at great cost.

The New York Times - Sports

Versace cogitated at great length.

The New York Times

Coach Shaw excels at great.

The Guardian - Sport

Inevitably, he spoke at great length.

The New York Times

We are having both, at great expense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Amazing selection of designers at great prices.

The Guardian - Travel

"Then we discussed it at great length".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at great", ensure the noun it modifies is clear and directly related to the context. For example, "at great speed" clearly indicates the manner of movement.

Common error

Avoid using "at great" with abstract nouns that don't logically convey a sense of magnitude or extent. For example, saying "at great happiness" is less effective than "with great happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at great" functions as a prepositional modifier, typically used to intensify the noun it precedes, emphasizing a significant degree or extent. According to Ludwig, the phrase is both correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at great" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the magnitude or extent of something. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific papers, demonstrating its versatility across various registers. While "at great" maintains a generally neutral to formal tone, it is crucial to ensure its logical fit with the modified noun to avoid awkward or unclear constructions. Understanding these nuances will allow for effective and precise communication in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at considerable

Replaces "great" with "considerable", implying a notable but not necessarily extreme degree.

at significant

Substitutes "great" with "significant", suggesting importance or consequence.

at substantial

Uses "substantial" instead of "great", indicating a large amount or degree.

at considerable expense

Specifies "expense" as the noun modified by "considerable", focusing on cost.

at a high level

Shifts the focus to "level" rather than general degree, implying status or position.

at a large scale

Highlights the "scale" or scope of something, rather than its intensity.

at a major degree

Replaces "great" with "major degree", denoting a significant level or extent.

with considerable effort

Emphasizes the "effort" involved, suggesting a significant amount of exertion.

with substantial resources

Focuses on "resources" rather than general magnitude, implying a significant allocation.

to a considerable extent

Modifies the "extent" to which something is true or possible, indicating a notable degree.

FAQs

How can I use "at great" in a sentence?

Use "at great" to emphasize the magnitude or extent of something, such as "He achieved success "at great effort"" or "The project was completed "at great cost"".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "at great"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at considerable", "at significant", or "at substantial" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "at great cost" and "with great cost"?

While both phrases are understandable, "at great cost" is more common and idiomatic when referring to a sacrifice or consequence. "With great cost" is less frequently used and might sound slightly awkward.

Which phrase is correct, "at great length" or "in great length"?

"At great length" is the correct and idiomatic phrase to describe speaking or writing extensively about something. "In great length" is not a standard English expression.