it sounds like a gold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds like a gold" is not correct in English.
The correct expression would be "it sounds like gold" or "it sounds like a good idea." Example: "When she described her plan for the project, I thought to myself, it sounds like gold."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It sounds like a gold bug's dream.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It sounded like a gold mine.

The New York Times

Some people make it sound like a gold rush.

The Guardian

It sounds like a stretch.

The New York Times

It sounds like a joke.

The New York Times - Arts

"It sounds like a lot.

The New York Times

It sounds like a fad.

The Economist

It sounds like a job.

The New Yorker

It sounds like a triviality.

The Economist

It sounds like a fantasy fiction title.

The New York Times

It sounds like a wild generalisation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that seems valuable or promising, use the phrase "it sounds like gold" (without the 'a') to convey that it has inherent worth or potential. This aligns with idiomatic English and effectively communicates the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article 'a' before 'gold' in this context. Saying "it sounds like a gold" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it sounds like gold", which treats gold as a quality or characteristic, not a countable object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds like a gold" functions as a subjective assessment, indicating a perceived quality or characteristic. However, this phrasing deviates from standard English. According to Ludwig, the correct usage is "it sounds like gold" without the article 'a'.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the query "it sounds like a gold" intends to convey a sense of value or promise, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "it sounds like gold". As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase functions as a subjective assessment and is intended to communicate a positive impression. Usage is rare, and authoritative sources predominantly stem from news and media. To avoid errors, remember to omit the indefinite article 'a' when using this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sounds like gold

Removes the indefinite article 'a', aligning with standard English usage when referring to gold as a quality or concept.

it sounds promising

Replaces the specific 'gold' with a general term for potential success or value.

it sounds valuable

Focuses on the perceived worth or importance of something.

it sounds like a good idea

Highlights the favorable nature of a suggestion or plan.

it seems lucrative

Emphasizes the potential for financial gain or profit.

it appears advantageous

Stresses the favorable or beneficial qualities of something.

it rings true

Indicates that something seems genuine or authentic.

it has potential

Highlights the possibility for future success or development.

it seems worthwhile

Suggests that something is worth the time and effort.

it holds promise

Implies that something is likely to be successful or beneficial in the future.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "it sounds like a gold"?

No, it's not grammatically correct. The proper way to express that something seems valuable or promising is to say "it sounds like gold". Dropping the article "a" makes the sentence grammatically sound.

What does it mean when someone says "it sounds like gold"?

It means that something seems very promising, valuable, or of high quality. It implies a positive assessment based on initial impressions.

What can I say instead of "it sounds like a gold"?

Since "it sounds like a gold" is not correct, you can use alternatives like "it sounds like gold" (without the article "a"), "it sounds promising", or "it seems valuable".

How do I use "it sounds like gold" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a plan, idea, or opportunity that appears to have significant potential. For example, "Her business proposal sounds like gold; it's innovative and addresses a real market need."