great books

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great books" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to significant literary works that are considered classics or highly influential in literature and culture. Example: "Many students are encouraged to read great books during their education to develop critical thinking and a deeper understanding of human experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are Great Books, and then there are great books.

The New York Times - Books

They write great books.

The Guardian - Books

After all, great books can stand rereading.

Independent

Ten great books by women about music.

The New Yorker

Great books are there to reconnect us.

The New York Times - Books

And he wrote two great books.

Harvard Business Review

There are so few great books.

The Guardian - Books

Great books don't stop being great.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Q.E.D. 'Great Books' Are Good.

The New York Times

Archives|'Great Books' Are Good.

The New York Times

Flintridge Prep headmaster turns from Great Books to great lives.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When recommending "great books", consider specifying the genre or theme to guide your audience better.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares the same definition of "great books". Provide context or examples to clarify your meaning and resonate with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great books" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "great" modifies the noun "books". According to Ludwig AI, it’s used to describe literary works that are considered significant and influential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great books" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to significant literary works. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using "great books", consider providing context to avoid overgeneralization. Alternative phrases include "classic literature" and "literary masterpieces". Ultimately, the phrase serves as a concise and effective way to commend books of high quality and enduring importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classic literature

Focuses on the historical significance and enduring quality of the books.

literary masterpieces

Emphasizes the artistic achievement and skill involved in writing the books.

must-read books

Highlights the importance and recommendation to read these books.

essential reading

Suggests that these books are necessary or crucial for understanding a particular subject or culture.

remarkable books

Highlights the exceptional or noteworthy quality of the books.

significant literary works

More formal way to highlight importance of the works.

notable books

Highlights the books that are worthy of attention or recognition.

important books

Emphasizes the influence and relevance of the books.

outstanding books

Highlights the superior quality and excellence of the books.

influential books

Focuses on the books that have had a significant impact on society or thought.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "great books" in a sentence?

You can use "great books" to refer to significant works of literature. For example: "Reading "classic literature" can broaden your understanding of different cultures."

What are some alternatives to saying "great books"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "classic literature", "literary masterpieces", or "must-read books".

What makes a book qualify as one of the "great books"?

Generally, "great books" are those that are widely recognized for their literary merit, influence, and enduring relevance. They often explore universal themes and offer profound insights into the human condition.

Is there a specific list of books considered to be "great books"?

While there isn't one definitive list, many curricula and reading programs feature canonical works from various cultures and historical periods. Examples include the "Great Books" program at St. John's College.