great thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something positive or beneficial in various contexts, often to express approval or appreciation. Example: "The new community center is a great thing for our neighborhood, providing a space for families to gather and participate in activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A great thing, indeed.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's a great thing".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a great thing".

The New York Times - Sports

We're building a great thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a great thing".

The New York Times

"Competition is a great thing.

The New York Times

That is the great thing.

Independent

This is a great thing.

The New York Times

"Maine is great thing.

The New York Times

Why mess with a great thing?

The New York Times - Tech

What's the great thing about Alexander?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great thing", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are referring to. Vague references can dilute the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "great thing" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "significant advantage" or "notable development" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great thing" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, indicating it serves to identify something positive or beneficial. Examples provided by Ludwig highlight its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great thing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a positive sentiment or approval. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use across various contexts, though it tends to be more neutral to informal in register. While "great thing" is widely used, writers should be mindful of the specific context and consider using more precise alternatives like "wonderful aspect" or "fantastic feature" to avoid sounding too generic in formal settings. Overall, "great thing" remains a versatile and effective phrase for conveying positivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wonderful aspect

Emphasizes a particular feature or element that is positive.

fantastic feature

Highlights an attribute that is exceptionally good or appealing.

remarkable quality

Focuses on a specific characteristic that stands out as noteworthy.

excellent development

Indicates a positive change or advancement.

positive attribute

Highlights a characteristic that has a beneficial effect.

splendid advantage

Emphasizes a benefit or opportunity that is particularly favorable.

terrific benefit

Focuses on the advantageous nature of something.

boon

A blessing or something beneficial, concise and formal.

stroke of luck

Highlights chance or good fortune, rather than inherent quality.

blessing in disguise

Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but results in something good.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "great thing"?

Alternatives to "great thing" include "wonderful aspect", "fantastic feature", or "remarkable quality", depending on the specific context.

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

You can use "great thing" to express approval or appreciation. For example, "The new initiative is a "great thing" for the community."

Is it appropriate to use "great thing" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "great thing" might be considered informal in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "significant development" or "notable advantage" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "great thing" and "good thing"?

"Great thing" implies something exceptionally positive, while "good thing" is more general. A "great thing" is typically more impactful or beneficial than a "good thing".