great of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great of" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and does not convey a clear meaning without additional context. Example: "He is great of heart." (though this is still awkward and not commonly used).

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It ends up looking great, of course.

The New York Times

"No, it's great, of course.

The Guardian - Arts

It's not that great of a school".

The New Yorker

Maybe it isn't that great of a risk.

The New York Times - Sports

I was not that great of a wrestler.

The New York Times

"It's just too great of a place and too great of a location to stay like this forever".

The New York Times

Resources are great, of course, but have their downsides.

The Guardian - Tech

Peter thought it was great, of course," he laughs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her well-known studio records are great of course.

The New York Times - Arts

Nick Rimando, however, is the unheralded great of the contingent.

The Guardian - Sport

I know how great of a player José Reyes is".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great of", ensure it's followed by a noun that specifies the quality being described (e.g., "great of heart"). However, consider that alternative phrasings like "great at" or "excellent in" are often clearer and more idiomatic.

Common error

Avoid using "great of" as a standalone compliment (e.g., "That was great of you"). Instead, use "That was very kind of you" or "That was great of you to do that" for clarity. Preferring more direct expressions prevents ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great of" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, often used to describe a quality or attribute. However, Ludwig AI's analysis reveals it is often grammatically awkward and context-dependent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "great of" appears frequently, its grammatical correctness and stylistic appropriateness are context-dependent. Ludwig AI indicates that it's often more effective to use alternative phrasings such as "great at", "excellent in", or other more direct expressions to enhance clarity and avoid awkwardness. The frequency of "great of" doesn't necessarily equate to correct usage; consider the specific context and purpose to ensure your writing remains clear and effective. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and BBC occasionally use the phrase, but careful consideration of alternative expressions is always recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very good at

Focuses on skill proficiency rather than a general attribute.

excellent at

Emphasizes a high level of competence in a specific domain.

highly skilled in

Highlights expertise, suitable when discussing specific skills.

adept in

Suggests a natural talent or quick learning ability.

proficient in

Formal and emphasizes documented or proven competence.

remarkable for

Highlights a characteristic that is worthy of attention.

noteworthy for

Similar to remarkable but slightly less emphatic.

distinguished for

Implies a recognized and respected excellence.

exceptional in

Denotes being significantly above the average.

outstanding at

Indicates performance that stands out from the rest.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "great of"?

The phrase "great of" is typically used to describe a specific quality or attribute (e.g., "great of heart"). However, it's often more idiomatic to use alternatives like "great at" or "excellent in" for clarity.

What are some common alternatives to "great of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "very good at", "excellent at", or "highly skilled in".

Is "great of" grammatically correct in all contexts?

While not always incorrect, "great of" can sound awkward or unnatural in many contexts. It's crucial to ensure that the phrase is followed by a noun specifying the quality (e.g., "great of you to help").

How can I improve my writing by avoiding awkward uses of "great of"?

Opt for more direct and common expressions like "great at" or "excellent in" when describing skills or abilities. If you're describing kindness or generosity, consider phrases like "kind of you" or "generous of you". This enhances clarity and makes your writing sound more natural.