great pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"great pleasure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing feelings of satisfaction or contentment. For example, "I took great pleasure in visiting my family this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This gave me great pleasure.

The New Yorker

That is a great pleasure.

Independent

A great pleasure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm taking great pleasure".

The New York Times - Sports

This was a great pleasure.

The Guardian - Sport

You're exceptional and give me great pleasure.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's the great pleasure of serialized TV.

The New York Times

The job has been a great pleasure.

The Guardian - Sport

It would naturally give us great pleasure.

The Guardian - Arts

But it is also his great pleasure.

The New York Times

That was an hour of great pleasure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "immense delight" or "profound satisfaction" to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "great pleasure" in overly casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler expressions like "I enjoyed it" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great pleasure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "take great pleasure in") or as part of a prepositional phrase. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its role in expressing satisfaction or enjoyment in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great pleasure" is a commonly used phrase to express genuine enjoyment or satisfaction. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts. While mostly found in news and media, science, and formal business writing, its use is appropriate across a range of situations, though perhaps less suitable for very informal settings. Alternatives such as "immense delight" or "tremendous joy" can provide stylistic variation. Remember to reserve it for sincere feelings, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense delight

Replaces "pleasure" with "delight" and "great" with "immense", both intensifying the feeling.

tremendous joy

Substitutes "pleasure" with "joy" and "great" with "tremendous", focusing on happiness.

profound satisfaction

Emphasizes the depth of satisfaction, using "profound" instead of "great".

sheer enjoyment

Focuses on the unadulterated nature of the enjoyment, replacing "great pleasure" with "sheer enjoyment".

considerable gratification

Replaces "pleasure" with "gratification" and "great" with "considerable", highlighting satisfaction.

intense happiness

Shifts the focus to happiness, using "intense" to describe the level of joy.

deep contentment

Highlights a sense of peace and satisfaction, using "deep" instead of "great".

extreme satisfaction

Replaces "great" with "extreme" emphasizing the degree of satisfaction.

unbounded glee

Focuses on exuberant joy and excitement, changing the emotional tone slightly.

extraordinary delight

Emphasizes the unusual and special nature of the delight.

FAQs

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

You can use "great pleasure" to express your enjoyment or satisfaction about something. For example, "It gives me "great pleasure" to announce..." or "I take "great pleasure" in helping others".

What are some alternatives to "great pleasure"?

Alternatives include "immense delight", "tremendous joy", or "profound satisfaction". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "great pleasure" in business communication?

Yes, "great pleasure" is suitable for business communication when expressing satisfaction or gratitude. However, consider your audience and the level of formality required. In some cases, a more direct expression might be preferable.

What's the difference between "great pleasure" and "slight pleasure"?

"Great pleasure" indicates a strong feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction, while "slight pleasure" suggests a mild or minimal level of enjoyment. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express.