grand tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grand tale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story that is impressive, elaborate, or significant in nature. Example: "The author captivated readers with a grand tale of adventure and heroism that spanned generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The frame of the piece has Shirley Abramowitz Angela Patonn) recollecting to her great-granddaughter (Grace Kaufman) a tale from her Depression-era Brooklyn childhood.

Los Angeles Times

10 P.M. (Flix) THE COMPANY OF WOLVES (1985) In Neil Jordan's gothic take on the Little Red Riding Hood story, an eerie grandmother (Angela Lansbury) regales her granddaughter (Sarah Patterson) with Freudian tales of young girls and hairy men.

The New York Times

"King's Quest" is told through narration, as an elder King Graham, voiced endearingly by Christopher Lloyd, entertains his granddaughter with far-fetched tales of heroism.

Los Angeles Times

His granddaughter R tells a harrowing tale of loneliness, distrust and isolation.

The New York Times

To abbreviate what is a complicated tale, Mr. Leeds's granddaughter, who never even knew him, decided nearly seven years ago to sell the mammoth tomb.

The New York Times

"She said Teddy's going to be all right; he's an angel now," Mrs. Garvin said, prizing the tale because her granddaughter offered the very thing her own dream lacked.

The New York Times

The person leading this charge is a 34-year-old with a Ph.D. in performing arts, dyed strawberry blond hair, a wardrobe that makes her look like Laura Ashley's goth granddaughter, and a riveting personal tale about how a bump to her head led her to invent a new way to save your life.

The New York Times

Paula Lindberg, who recently escorted her 6-year-old granddaughter Alissa to the Fairy Tale Tea, creates the ultimate tea-party dresses.

Los Angeles Times

"Bubbie" now longs to tell her Holocaust tales to her granddaughter, despite her daughter's desire to leave the past in the past.

The New York Times

His great-granddaughter Jeannie, an oil tycoon whose contemporary tale is the novel's best, channels Eli's pathological self-interest; Eli's son Peter, representing the alternative "liberal" view, is sanctimonious and weak.

The Economist

It was subtle at first – forgetting which street to turn, the twist in an oft-told tale, the birthday of his first granddaughter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grand tale" to introduce a story that is meant to be perceived as significant, impressive, or historically important.

Common error

Avoid using "grand tale" in everyday conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "story" or "account" would be more appropriate. It's better suited for formal or literary contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grand tale" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "grand" modifies the noun "tale". It's used to describe a story as impressive or significant. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grand tale" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an impressive or significant story. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While its frequency is currently missing in the provided data, alternative phrases like "epic narrative" or "magnificent story" can be used depending on the context. It's best suited for formal or literary contexts, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Using "grand tale" can enhance the perceived importance and scale of the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

epic narrative

Emphasizes the scale and scope of the story, suggesting a long and eventful account.

magnificent story

Highlights the impressive and awe-inspiring nature of the tale.

remarkable account

Focuses on the unusual or noteworthy aspects of the story.

sweeping saga

Implies a story that covers a vast period or involves many characters and events.

heroic legend

Specifically refers to a story about a hero or heroic deeds, often passed down through generations.

elaborate yarn

Suggests a complex and detailed story, possibly with elements of exaggeration or fabrication.

compelling history

Highlights the engaging and persuasive nature of a historical account.

significant anecdote

Focuses on a brief but meaningful story that illustrates a particular point.

fabulous legend

Emphasizes the mythical and wondrous quality of the story.

wonderful narrative

Highlights the delightful and pleasing nature of the tale.

FAQs

How can I use "grand tale" in a sentence?

"Grand tale" is typically used to describe a story that is impressive, elaborate, or significant in nature. For example: "The historian recounted a "grand tale" of bravery and sacrifice during the war."

What's the difference between "grand tale" and "epic story"?

While both describe significant stories, ""grand tale"" emphasizes the impressive and elaborate nature of the story, whereas "epic story" focuses on the scale and scope of the events and characters involved.

What can I say instead of "grand tale"?

You can use alternatives like "epic narrative", "magnificent story", or "remarkable account" depending on the context.

Is "grand tale" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "grand tale" is generally considered too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "interesting story" or "great story" would be more suitable in informal settings.