it is a gem

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is a gem" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe something as being of high quality, valuable, or exceptional. Example: "This book may be old, but it is a gem that still captivates readers with its timeless story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

On Sunday, the movie My Week With Marilyn, directed by Simon Curtis, premiered at the New York Film Festival, its centerpiece, and it is a gem.

Huffington Post

Sirius has produced its first fully-portable satellite radio receiver, and it is a gem.

TechCrunch

It is a gem.

Independent

It is a gem (for nine up).

The Guardian - Books

Filled with his mother's photographs and Picasso's artwork, it is a gem.

The Guardian - Arts

By turns progressive, complacent, tolerant, and stiflingly consensual, it is a gem of a nation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

First published in WaPoFood as Meme's Blackberry Cobbler a decade ago, it was a gem just waiting to be rediscovered.

The Washington Post

It's a gem and its current exhibition is about food, a subject that obsessed the family.

The Times

It's a gem.

MIT Technology Review

It was a gem.

The New York Times - Style

It's a gem of a part.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a gem" to succinctly convey that something possesses outstanding quality or value. This phrase is effective for highlighting a positive attribute without excessive elaboration.

Common error

While "it is a gem" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider more precise language that specifies the exact quality you wish to highlight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a gem" functions as a subject complement. It ascribes a quality of exceptional value and preciousness to the subject of the sentence. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where the phrase is used to describe various entities from books to buildings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is a gem" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey high value or exceptional quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to use more precise language in highly formal or academic contexts. Related phrases like "it is a treasure" or "it is a jewel" can be used as alternatives to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a jewel

Uses "jewel" instead of "gem", maintaining the sense of rarity and value.

it's a treasure

Substitutes "gem" with "treasure", emphasizing its preciousness.

it's a marvel

Replaces "gem" with "marvel", highlighting its impressive nature.

it's a find

Focuses on the discovery aspect, implying it's valuable because it's been found.

it's exceptional

Highlights the quality of being outstanding or uncommon.

it's outstanding

Similar to exceptional, emphasizing its superior quality.

it's remarkable

Focuses on the quality of being worthy of attention.

it's first-rate

Highlights the high quality and standard.

it's top-notch

Similar to first-rate, emphasizing excellence.

it's a masterpiece

Elevates the object to the level of a work of art.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a gem" in a sentence?

You can use "it is a gem" to describe something you find particularly valuable, high-quality, or delightful. For example, "This old book is filled with insightful stories; "it is a gem"."

What are some alternatives to "it is a gem"?

You can use alternatives like "it is a treasure", "it is a marvel", or "it is a jewel" depending on the context. These all convey a similar sense of high value or admiration.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is a gem"?

The phrase "it is a gem" is suitable in various contexts where you want to express that something is particularly valuable, well-crafted, or delightful. It's versatile enough for casual conversation and many forms of writing but consider the formality of your audience.

Is "it is a gem" too informal for academic writing?

While acceptable in some academic contexts, "it is a gem" might be considered too informal for rigorous scholarly work. Consider using more precise, descriptive language to highlight the positive qualities you observe.