great wit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great wit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a sharp sense of humor or intelligence in their remarks. Example: "Her ability to make everyone laugh with clever remarks showcases her great wit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He had a sparkle in his eyes and great wit.

The New York Times

Those to Voltaire, extending over 43 years, contain great wit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A kind, loving, devoted man of great wit.

The New York Times

His warmth, great wit and agile mind are irreplaceable.

The New York Times

He has irony and has a great wit.

The New Yorker

Sís uses color with great wit and deliberation.

The New York Times - Books

You know, Ralph Hall has a great wit.

The New York Times - Science

A woman of great wit, understanding, warmth and empathy.

The New York Times

He informed them, campaigned for them and made them laugh with his great wit and humour.

Independent

A great wit, he likes to read and talk for hours.

The New York Times

She will be remembered for her unusual brilliance, great wit, and her delightful company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great wit" when you want to emphasize someone's intelligence and humor, especially in a sophisticated or literary context. It's suitable for formal descriptions and obituaries.

Common error

Avoid using "great wit" to describe slapstick or overtly silly humor. It implies intellectual humor, so ensure it fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great wit" functions as a noun phrase, where "great" is an adjective modifying the noun "wit". It typically serves to describe a characteristic or quality of a person, indicating their capacity for clever and humorous expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great wit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone possessing both intelligence and humor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting its prevalence in formal contexts such as obituaries, literary analyses, and news articles. While synonyms like ""keen sense of humor"" and ""sharp intellect"" exist, "great wit" carries a unique connotation of sophisticated and intellectual humor. When writing, ensure it aligns with the context and avoids describing simpler forms of comedy. As evidenced by its common usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering "great wit" enhances expressive ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick wit

Emphasizes the speed and agility of the person's humorous responses.

witty intelligence

Focuses on the humor aspect, highlighting wit as a sign of deep intellect.

keen sense of humor

Focuses on the humor aspect, highlighting sharpness and perceptiveness.

clever humor

Highlights the inventiveness and ingenuity of the humor.

remarkable humor

Highlights the extraordinariness of the humor.

sharp intellect

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect of wit, referring to mental acuity.

incisive humor

Points to humor that is penetrating and clear-sighted.

dry sense of humor

Indicates a subtle and understated form of wit.

brilliant repartee

Refers to skillful and witty comebacks in conversation.

comic brilliance

Highlights the ingenuity and outstanding nature of someone's humor.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "great wit"?

You can describe someone with "great wit" as having a sharp, intelligent, and humorous way of speaking and thinking. They are often quick-witted and can make clever observations.

What are some synonyms for "great wit"?

Synonyms for "great wit" include "keen sense of humor", "sharp intellect", and "witty intelligence". These phrases all describe someone who is intelligent and funny.

Is "great wit" a formal or informal phrase?

"Great wit" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in formal writing or speech, such as obituaries or literary analyses.

How do I use "great wit" in a sentence?

You can use "great wit" in a sentence to describe someone's ability to make intelligent and humorous remarks. For example, "Her "quick wit" made her a delightful conversationalist" or "He was known for his "great wit" and insightful observations."