the great thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the great thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a positive aspect or feature of something in a discussion or description. Example: "The great thing about this new software is its user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the great thing.

Independent

What's the great thing about Alexander?

The New York Times

The great thing is, they took advantage.

Independent

"This is the great thing about football.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's the great thing about this game.

The New York Times - Sports

That's the great thing about our team.

The New York Times

But the great thing is, it's not.

Princeton University

Because that's the great thing about tea.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's the great thing about our game.

The Washington Post

"The great thing is cycling's just fun.

The Guardian - Sport

The great thing about being Jim Kimsey?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the great thing" to introduce a particularly positive or beneficial aspect of a topic to emphasize its value to your audience.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "the great thing" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the great thing" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It introduces a positive attribute or benefit associated with a particular subject. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the great thing" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a positive or beneficial aspect of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, though it might be more suitable for neutral or informal settings than formal academic writing. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in News & Media and Academia, offering clear insights into its usage and alternatives for different registers. It is crucial to select precise and sophisticated language based on your writing purpose and target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the best aspect

Emphasizes the superiority of the aspect being highlighted.

the key advantage

Focuses on the benefit or advantage provided.

the main benefit

Highlights the primary positive outcome or result.

the beauty of it

Emphasizes the aesthetic or pleasing quality.

the most impressive part

Highlights what is most striking or remarkable.

the real advantage

Highlights a genuine benefit.

the upside

Informal way of referring to the positive side of something.

the silver lining

Highlights a positive aspect in a negative situation.

the most valuable asset

Focuses on the worth or value of something.

what's remarkable is

Draws attention to a noteworthy or exceptional quality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the great thing" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "the primary advantage", "the key benefit", or "the most significant aspect" for a more formal tone. These options offer a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

Is it always appropriate to use "the great thing" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "the great thing" might sound too informal for certain academic contexts. Assess your audience and the overall tone of your paper before using it; alternatives like "the most notable feature" or "the principal advantage" may be more suitable.

What's a more casual alternative to "the great thing"?

In informal settings, you could use phrases like "the best part", "what's cool is", or "the upside". These alternatives maintain a positive connotation while fitting a more relaxed tone.

How does "the great thing" compare to "the important thing"?

"The great thing" emphasizes a positive or beneficial aspect, while "the important thing" highlights what is essential or crucial. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on benefits or necessities.