great game

USAGE SUMMARY

"great game" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or activity where someone has done something particularly impressive or successful. For example: "He won the championship match - what a great game!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Great game, great 2 points," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Great game.

The New York Times

"Great game," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Pool's a great game.

The New Yorker

What a great game.

The New York Times

Great game, huh?

The New York Times

Great game, Tiki.

The New Yorker

"We have a great game.

The New York Times - Sports

"He called a great game".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a great game.

The New York Times

Here, watching the great game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In less formal settings, consider using it ironically if the game was not actually great, but the context implies humour or camaraderie.

Common error

Avoid using "great game" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey your assessment, such as "well-executed strategy" or "highly competitive match".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great game" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression of approval or appreciation, typically used after a sporting event or other form of competition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves to convey a positive sentiment towards the event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great game" is a common and generally neutral expression used to convey approval and enjoyment of a game or competition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news and media contexts. While appropriate for informal settings, more descriptive language may be preferred in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "terrific game" or "fantastic match" to vary your language. Avoid overuse of "great game" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig indicate its broad acceptance and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrific game

Replaces "great" with "terrific", maintaining the positive sentiment.

fantastic match

Substitutes "game" with "match" and "great" with "fantastic", suitable for sports contexts.

excellent play

Uses "play" instead of "game", focusing on the performance within the game.

superb performance

Emphasizes the quality of the performance with stronger adjectives.

wonderful competition

Focuses on the competitive aspect while retaining a positive tone.

remarkable contest

Highlights the noteworthy nature of the competition.

outstanding event

Broadens the scope to any type of event that is well-executed.

brilliant display

Shifts the focus to a visually impressive or skillfully executed event.

amazing show

Suitable for performances or events with a strong entertainment value.

exceptional activity

General term for an activity that stands out due to its quality.

FAQs

What does "great game" mean?

The phrase "great game" is an expression used to convey enthusiasm and approval of a game, match, or competition that was enjoyable or well-played.

What can I say instead of "great game"?

You can use alternatives like "terrific game", "fantastic match", or "excellent play" depending on the context.

How can I use "great game" in a sentence?

You might say, "That was a "great game"; both teams played exceptionally well", or, "He called a "great game"; his strategies were spot on."

Is "great game" suitable for formal writing?

While "great game" is widely understood, it is generally more appropriate for informal or casual settings. In formal writing, consider using more descriptive or analytical language.