great loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"great loss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase in contexts where the speaker or writer is referring to a large amount of something that has been lost or taken away. For example, "The flood caused great loss of property in the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a great loss.

The New York Times

But no great loss.

The New York Times

"A great loss".

The New York Times

No great loss.

Independent

"This is a great loss".

The New York Times

This is no great loss.

The New Yorker

It was a great loss".

The New York Times

The settlers' loss was no great loss.

The New York Times

But it is still a great loss".

Independent

"To me, that's a great loss.

The New York Times

Our enemies have suffered a great loss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great loss", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude and nature of what has been lost, whether it's a person, an opportunity, or a resource.

Common error

Avoid using "great loss" in everyday, casual conversation. Opt for simpler expressions like "big miss" or "shame" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great loss" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically following a verb like "is", "was", or "feel". According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, denoting something of significant value or importance that has been lost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

11%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great loss" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a significant sense of bereavement or deprivation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While its function is primarily to express sorrow or regret, its usage leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news, academic, and professional settings. Consider alternatives such as "significant loss" or "profound bereavement" to tailor the expression to the specific context. Avoid overuse in casual conversation to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant loss

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the loss.

considerable deprivation

Focuses on the aspect of being deprived of something important.

profound bereavement

Highlights the emotional depth and sorrow associated with the loss.

substantial forfeiture

Emphasizes the act of losing or giving up something valuable.

grievous damage

Shifts the focus to the harm or destruction caused by the loss.

heavy toll

Highlights the negative impact or burden resulting from the loss.

tragic misfortune

Underscores the unfortunate and sorrowful nature of the loss.

major setback

Focuses on the impediment or obstacle caused by the loss.

severe detriment

Emphasizes the harmful or damaging aspect of the loss.

serious impairment

Highlights the weakening or deterioration resulting from the loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "great loss" to describe the impact of losing something significant, for example, "The community felt a "great loss" with the closure of the local hospital".

What are some alternatives to saying "great loss"?

Alternatives include "significant loss", "considerable deprivation", or "profound bereavement", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "great loss" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, "great loss" is more suitable for formal or serious contexts. Simpler terms may be better for casual conversations.

What distinguishes "great loss" from "big loss"?

"Great loss" typically conveys a more profound and impactful sense of bereavement or deprivation than "big loss", which might be used in more informal or less severe situations.