late great

USAGE SUMMARY

"late great" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to something or someone that has passed away, or to describe something that has disappeared or gone out of fashion. For example: "The late great David Bowie will be remembered for his iconic music and style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The late, great sabertooths.

University of California, Berkeley

"The late, great Maya Angelou once said..

The New Yorker

Wife of the late great Edward.

The New York Times

These late, great quartets are considered difficult.

The Guardian - Music

And home of the late great Prince".

The New Yorker

I like the late great teacher Arnold Ross's advice.

The New York Times

We pay our respects to the late, great Aretha Franklin.

The New York Times

The late, great Harold Ramis was a Cubs fans.

The Guardian - Sport

He joins his late, great wife of 43 years, Harriet.

The New York Times

The late great Billy Bremner had just signed for Leeds.

The Guardian - Sport

One of my heroes is the late, great Dorothy Parker.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "late great" to respectfully acknowledge the passing of someone who had a significant positive impact or was highly regarded in their field. Ensure the context aligns with a tone of admiration and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "late great" to describe someone who is still alive, even if they are retired or no longer active in their field. This phrase is specifically reserved for those who have died.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late great" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to express admiration and respect for someone who has died. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "late great" serves as a respectful and admiring descriptor for someone who has passed away, widely used to honor their memory and contributions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the expression is suitable for neutral and commemorative registers, conveying both respect and a sense of loss. When using the term, writers should reserve it for deceased individuals who were genuinely esteemed and admired, avoiding its application to controversial figures or living persons. Alternatives such as "dearly departed" or "much-missed icon" may offer nuanced expressions of similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone but never forgotten

A common idiom emphasizing remembrance after death.

much-missed icon

Emphasizes the feeling of being missed and the iconic status.

dearly departed

Focuses on the emotional aspect of loss, emphasizing affection.

long-gone legend

Highlights the legendary status and the fact that they are no longer with us.

passed but not forgotten

Highlights both the passing and the continued remembrance.

forever remembered

Focuses on the lasting memory of the person or thing.

the unforgettable

Emphasizes the memorable qualities of the person or thing.

rest in peace

A traditional expression of mourning and respect.

formerly celebrated

Highlights past recognition and celebration.

in memoriam

A formal expression used to commemorate the deceased.

FAQs

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

You can use "late great" to respectfully refer to someone who has died and was highly esteemed. For example, "The "late great" Maya Angelou was a celebrated poet and author".

What is a more formal way to say "late great"?

While "late great" is generally respectful, you might use phrases like "the dearly departed" or "the distinguished former" in more formal settings. The choice depends on the specific context and audience.

Is it appropriate to use "late great" for someone who was controversial?

Using "late great" for a controversial figure can be perceived as insensitive or disrespectful. Consider the context and audience carefully. Alternative phrases may be more appropriate to avoid unintended offense.

What's the difference between "late great" and simply saying "the late"?

"The late" merely indicates that someone has died, while "late great" adds a layer of admiration and respect, suggesting the person was highly regarded or accomplished. The "late great" implies a legacy of positive impact, whereas "the late" is neutral.