grand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is impressive, magnificent, or large in scale, often in a positive context. Example: "The grand architecture of the cathedral left everyone in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Lifestyle

Opinion

Tech

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That was the year when Fatimid invaders began to build a grand enclosure to house their new mosques and palaces – a private city known to its residents as al-Qahera, and eventually to the world as Cairo.

The Guardian

Even for a city inured to grand announcements that go nowhere, this is momentous.

The Guardian

Some are on a grand scale – such as Spain's concentrated solar power stations which, by super-heating molten salts that hold their heat for many hours, can generate clean power from the sun at night.

The Guardian

One project considered by Bin Laden, reported in the Guardian last month, was the creation of a grand alliance of militant groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan under the umbrella of al-Qaida.

The Guardian

After a successful year on the doubles circuit in which she made three grand slam finals with Dellacqua, she has plenty of experience on the big stage, which will serve her well when she takes on the top players.

The Guardian - Sport

INDIEGOGO iOS/Android Indiegogo is the main rival to crowdfunding website Kickstarter: a place where musicians, film-makers, gadget makers and others try to raise money for their grand schemes.

The Guardian - Tech

Comprising three once grand houses, and furnished with antique mirrors, desks, cabinets, clocks, statues, lamps and paintings, it's like an underfunded museum with comfortable beds.

The Guardian - Travel

Every judge worth listening to makes Djokovic favourite to win the final, favourite to win Wimbledon and favourite to add the US Open to his Australian title for the first grand slam sweep in tennis since Rod Laver's second one in 1969.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I remember catching the vaporetto down Venice's Grand Canal, gazing up at the obviously more affluent tourists sipping prosecco in glasses (not plastic cups) on palazzo terraces (not windowsills), and I think I actually sighed.

The Guardian - Travel

Many of Britain's long-distance paths, such as the Ridgeway, have a historical rationale, and none more obviously so than the Grand Union Canal.

The Guardian - Travel

Basically, it is good news that Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel have performed so strongly: excellent films in that "indie-literate" middle ground that many in the industry have been worrying had been neglected in the general rush to big-budget, big-box-office superhero pictures.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "grand" when you want to convey a sense of magnificence or importance, such as "a grand celebration".

Common error

Avoid using "grand" in very casual or informal settings where a simpler word like "great" or "good" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "grand" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their size, scope, or impressiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use to denote magnificence or importance, as seen in examples like "grand scheme" or "grand gesture."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Sport

18%

Travel

14%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Opinion

8%

Arts

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "grand" is used to describe something as impressive, large in scale, or magnificent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts. While predominantly neutral to formal, its overuse in casual settings should be avoided. Alternatives such as "magnificent" or "majestic" can provide nuanced alternatives. "Grand" finds frequent application in News & Media, Sport, and Travel contexts, underscoring its versatility and common usage in describing impactful subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magnificent

Emphasizes the impressive and beautiful nature of something.

majestic

Highlights the stately and dignified quality of something.

splendid

Focuses on the brilliance and impressiveness of something.

imposing

Stresses the dominant and impressive presence of something.

palatial

Suggests the luxurious and spacious nature, like a palace.

monumental

Highlights the great size, importance, or historical significance.

impressive

Simply denotes the quality of eliciting admiration or respect.

glorious

Emphasizes the beauty and delightfulness of something.

stately

Highlights the dignified and impressive nature of something.

opulent

Stresses the richness and luxuriousness of something.

FAQs

How can I use the word "grand" in a sentence?

You can use "grand" to describe something impressive or magnificent, such as "a grand palace" or "a grand achievement".

What are some synonyms for "grand"?

Alternatives include "magnificent", "majestic", or "splendid", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "grand" and "great"?

"Grand" typically implies magnificence or impressiveness, while "great" indicates size, importance, or skill. Use "grand" for something like "a grand ball" and "great" for "a great leader".

Is it correct to use "grand" in informal conversation?

While "grand" is generally correct, it might sound overly formal in very casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "great" or "wonderful" in those contexts.