great

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express approval, admiration, or satisfaction regarding something. Example: "The presentation was great, and everyone appreciated the effort put into it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The great service we have provided should have guaranteed a strong future, but unfortunately our network partners have decided otherwise.

The Guardian - Business

It took a little to get used to, but it's great".

The Guardian - Tech

A statement released on behalf of his family said: "It is with great sadness and an enormous sense of shock that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.

The Guardian

It would be great to talk to you, Dad".

The Guardian

"There was a great teacher somewhere in your life.

The New York Times

"A great loss".

The New York Times

She's doing great.

The New York Times

"While all great things mature with age, the energy may not be in the bottle to the extent that it is needed".

The Guardian

"He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness – making him a true star performer".

The Guardian - Sport

We owe him a great deal and wish him every possible success.

The Guardian

But frankly I am a marriage man, I am a great supporter of marriage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for more sophisticated language, consider alternatives like "excellent", "outstanding", or "remarkable" to convey nuanced meaning.

Common error

While "great" is versatile, it can sound too informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "great" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate high quality, significance, or size. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "great" is versatile and widely used. Examples include "a great teacher" and "great authority".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Film

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "great" is a versatile and frequently used term to express approval, admiration, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms that "great" is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though more formal or scientific writing may benefit from more precise synonyms. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for general use, but consider the context when choosing the most effective word. As shown in the analysis and confirmed by Ludwig, "great" appears frequently in news, sports, and film-related content, reflecting its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent

Indicates a high degree of quality or skill, similar to "great" but often implying a more refined or sophisticated level of achievement.

outstanding

Suggests something that stands out from the rest, often due to its exceptional qualities or performance.

wonderful

Emphasizes the positive and pleasing aspects of something, highlighting its delightful or enjoyable nature.

fantastic

Conveys a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, suggesting something that is particularly impressive or remarkable.

remarkable

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy nature of something, drawing attention to its distinctive qualities.

terrific

Expresses strong approval or satisfaction, indicating something that is highly enjoyable or successful.

amazing

Suggests something that is awe-inspiring or astonishing, often due to its unexpected or extraordinary nature.

splendid

Implies elegance and grandeur, often used to describe something that is particularly impressive or magnificent.

superb

Indicates exceptional quality or skill, often used in formal contexts to describe something that is of the highest standard.

exceptional

Highlights the unusual or extraordinary nature of something, emphasizing its deviation from the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "great" in a sentence?

"Great" can be used to describe something of high quality or large size. For example, "That's a great idea!" or "The storm caused great damage."

What are some alternatives to using "great"?

You can use alternatives like "excellent", "wonderful", or "fantastic" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "great" in formal writing?

While "great" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "remarkable" or "superb".

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

"Great" implies a higher degree of quality or impressiveness than "good". "Good" is a general term for something satisfactory, while "great" suggests something exceptional or outstanding.