oh great

USAGE SUMMARY

"oh great" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to express enthusiasm or when something has worked out especially well. For example: "Oh great, that's exactly what I needed!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Assessment Oh great.

The Guardian - Tech

9.33pm BST Oh great, jaunty whistling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Until next week: Limp On, Oh Great Man of Granite!

The Guardian - Opinion

If you notice your shoe is untied, shout, "OH GREAT!

WikiHow

Oh, great.

Forbes

"Oh, great," Joy said.

The New Yorker

Jon Fougner: Oh, great.

Yale University

AUDIENCE: Oh, great.

Cornell University

SPEAKER 2: Oh, great.

Cornell University

SAILOR 2: Oh, great.

The New Yorker

"Oh, great," Legba said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "oh great" to express sarcasm or mild annoyance when something inconvenient or undesirable happens.

Common error

Avoid using "oh great" when genuine enthusiasm is required. The phrase often carries a sarcastic or dismissive tone, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oh great" functions primarily as an interjection, expressing a reaction to a situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it typically conveys sarcasm, disappointment, or mild annoyance. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in response to unwelcome news or inconvenient events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Oh great" is a common interjection used primarily to express sarcasm, disappointment, or mild annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in diverse contexts, ranging from news articles to academic discussions. While seemingly positive, its intended meaning is often negative, highlighting a speaker's dissatisfaction. To avoid misinterpretations, it's crucial to use "oh great" when the intended tone is clear and appropriate for the audience. Consider alternatives like "that's just wonderful" or "just my luck" for similar expressions, but ensure the tone aligns with your message. Given its versatility and frequent usage, understanding the nuances of "oh great" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just my luck

Highlights the speaker's tendency to experience unfortunate events.

that's just wonderful

Expresses the sentiment with a slightly more formal tone, potentially with sarcasm.

that figures

Implies that a negative outcome was expected or predictable.

how delightful

Conveys a sense of irony or sarcasm, often used when something undesirable has occurred.

lovely

Used sarcastically as a response to an undesirable event.

that's just what I needed

Emphasizes the unwelcome nature of a situation or event.

now what

Expresses exasperation at a new problem or complication.

perfect timing

Used sarcastically to highlight the inappropriateness of the timing of an event.

exactly what I wanted

Highlights the speaker's feeling of unwelcome or unneeded.

couldn't be better

Expresses frustration or disappointment with a situation, often sarcastically.

FAQs

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

You can use "oh great" to express sarcasm or mild frustration when something inconvenient occurs. For example, "Oh great, the traffic is terrible today".

What's a less sarcastic alternative to "oh great"?

If you want to express genuine enthusiasm, try alternatives like "fantastic", "wonderful", or "excellent", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "oh great"?

It is appropriate to use "oh great" when you want to convey mild annoyance or sarcastic agreement. Be mindful of your audience, as the tone can sometimes be misinterpreted.

What's the difference between "oh great" and "that's wonderful"?

"Oh great" is often used sarcastically, implying the opposite of what is said. "That's wonderful" is generally a genuine expression of happiness or approval.