great and abiding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great and abiding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or quality that is both significant and enduring. Example: "Her great and abiding love for her family was evident in everything she did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The great and abiding virtue of his study is its patience.

The Guardian - Books

Whether you are interested in the Slovenian banking system, or the development of Polish military reform since 1991, or the difference between Hungary's view of the Trianon and the Paris post-war carve-ups, you can easily find someone for whom your subject is a matter of great and abiding interest.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, deciding and abiding by a universal tax rate is likely to require great political will.

Environmental Systems Research

Joe, our love for you is infinite and abiding.

The New York Times

"Nevertheless, he projected unwavering confidence and abiding good nature.

The New York Times

I would insist upon mystery remaining and abiding.

Huffington Post

Also expect plenty of White Russians, bathrobes and abiding.

Huffington Post

One of the greatest and most abiding of all these works is Close to the Knives, an autobiography-cum-essay collection first published in America in 1991.

The Guardian - Books

Cranmer had been a Cambridge scholar (he had held a lectureship in Biblical studies) and a diplomat, before being plucked by Henry VIII to be archbishop, and he almost certainly did not imagine that he was writing one of the great, abiding works of English literature, what the historian Diarmaid MacCulloch calls "one of a handful of texts to have decided the future of a world language".

The New Yorker

He had no control over his bedwetting – though he prayed fervently for it to stop – yet was conscious of it as sin: "This was the great, abiding lesson of my boyhood: that I was in a world where it was not possible for me to be good".

The Guardian - Books

But a second element of Joanne's great success here at the Autry was personal rather than professional — it was her deep and abiding love for this museum and its subject, the American West.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great and abiding" to describe qualities, feelings, or principles that are both significant and consistently present over time, especially in formal or descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "great and abiding" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "deep and lasting" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great and abiding" primarily functions as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun by ascribing two qualities: significance (great) and permanence (abiding). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great and abiding" is a grammatically correct and commonly used compound adjective that conveys both significance and permanence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it is generally more appropriate for formal or descriptive writing and less suited for casual conversation. Alternatives like "deep and lasting" or "profound and enduring" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its presence in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep and lasting

Emphasizes the emotional depth and enduring quality, differing in tone by focusing on feelings.

tremendous and abiding

It amplifies the intensity while retaining the sense of permanence.

profound and enduring

Highlights intellectual depth and long-lasting nature, changing the emphasis slightly to a more formal tone.

enduring and significant

Swaps the order of adjectives, shifting the emphasis slightly.

lasting and profound

Reverses the adjectives and emphasizes depth of meaning.

significant and permanent

Focuses on the importance and lasting nature, offering a more direct and less evocative alternative.

considerable and sustained

Indicates a notable amount or degree that continues over time, altering the nuance to emphasize quantity and duration.

perpetual and substantial

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey permanence and importance.

immense and eternal

Suggests a boundless scale and infinite duration, amplifying the sense of grandeur.

eternal and meaningful

Emphasizes the infinite duration and significance.

FAQs

How can I use "great and abiding" in a sentence?

Use "great and abiding" to describe something that is both significant and enduring. For example, "The scholar demonstrated a "great and abiding" interest in history" or "She possessed a "great and abiding" love for her family".

What are some alternatives to "great and abiding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "deep and lasting", "profound and enduring", or "significant and permanent".

Is "great and abiding" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "great and abiding" is generally considered formal and may sound out of place in casual conversations. Simpler phrases are often more appropriate. Consider rephrasing using words like "deep and lasting" instead.

What is the difference between "great and abiding" and "deep and abiding"?

While both phrases convey significance and permanence, ""great and abiding"" emphasizes the magnitude or importance of something, whereas "deep and abiding" focuses on the emotional depth and enduring nature. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight importance or emotional resonance.