great building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great building" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a building that is impressive in size, design, or significance. Example: "The great building stood tall against the skyline, a testament to modern architecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Why shouldn't I? He's letting us build a great building".

The New Yorker

Great building.

The New Yorker

It's a great building".

The Guardian - Books

"A great building, great land, great location.

The New Yorker

It was not a great building really.

The New York Times

"It is a great building," says Herzog.

The Guardian - Arts

People will seek out a great building wherever it is".

The New Yorker

"It wasn't a great building anyway," he added.

The New York Times

Together, we can reclaim our great building heritage.

The Washington Post

"They deserve it, and the block deserves a great building".

The New York Times

"This will be a great building for a long time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "great building", specify what makes it great – its architecture, historical significance, innovative design, or cultural impact. This adds depth and clarity to your description.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "great" without providing specific details. Instead of saying 'It's a great building', explain why it's considered great. For instance, mention unique architectural features, historical importance, or innovative sustainable design elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great building" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "great" modifies the noun "building". It describes a building that is notable or impressive. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great building" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a notable structure. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable across a wide range of contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using the phrase, specificity is key; explaining why a building is "great" adds more impact and clarity. Alternatives like "magnificent edifice" or "impressive structure" can be used for variety. The frequent use of the phrase across authoritative sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wonderful structure

Wonderful is a direct replacement to great, while using a slightly broader term like structure

magnificent edifice

Replaces 'great' with 'magnificent' and 'building' with 'edifice', emphasizing grandeur and impressiveness.

impressive structure

Uses 'impressive' to convey the impact of the building and 'structure' as a more general term.

extraordinary edifice

Extraordinary is a direct replacement to great, while using a more formal term like edifice

remarkable construction

Focuses on the act of building itself, highlighting the exceptional nature of the construction.

awe-inspiring building

Uses 'awe-inspiring' to emphasize the emotional impact of the building.

outstanding architectural work

Emphasizes the design and artistry of the building, rather than just its size or general quality.

splendid creation

Highlights the building as a work of art, using 'splendid' to denote beauty and excellence.

exceptional piece of architecture

Similar to 'outstanding architectural work', but stresses the uniqueness and high quality of the building's design.

superb infrastructure

Broader term including the building's systems, not just its physical appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe a "great building" in more detail?

Instead of just calling it a "great building", provide specific details about its architecture, history, or unique features. For example, you could say it's an example of "innovative design" or a "historical landmark".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "great building"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "magnificent edifice", "impressive structure", or "remarkable construction".

Is it grammatically correct to say "great building"?

Yes, the phrase "great building" is grammatically correct. The adjective 'great' appropriately modifies the noun 'building'.

How does the meaning of "great building" differ from "large building"?

While "large building" refers primarily to the size, a "great building" implies a combination of size, architectural merit, historical significance, or overall impressiveness. It suggests more than just physical dimensions.