the greatest thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the greatest thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high opinion or admiration for something, often in a subjective context. Example: "In my opinion, the greatest thing about traveling is the opportunity to experience new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Music is the greatest thing.

Independent

This is the greatest thing.

The New Yorker

The greatest thing that ever happened".

The Economist

I thought that was the greatest thing.

The New York Times

That's the greatest thing in jazz.

The New Yorker

"It was the greatest thing".

The New York Times - Sports

It's the greatest thing about coaching here".

The New York Times - Sports

They thought he was the greatest thing.

The New York Times

"And that's the greatest thing he did".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is one of the greatest things he taught me".

Forbes

I smile; he says the greatest things.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the greatest thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the greatest thing" for trivial matters. Overusing it diminishes its impact. Reserve it for truly significant or exceptional situations to maintain its meaning and strength.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the greatest thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It expresses a subjective assessment of something being of utmost importance or value. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the greatest thing" is a versatile phrase used to express high regard or appreciation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While it's commonly found in news and media, it’s advisable to use it thoughtfully to retain its impact, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. For more formal settings, consider using more precise alternatives. Overall, it’s a frequently employed and easily understood expression, adding emphasis and enthusiasm to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the best aspect

Focuses on a specific part or feature that is considered superior.

the ultimate achievement

Highlights the sense of accomplishment and finality.

the pinnacle of success

Emphasizes reaching the highest point in a particular field or endeavor.

the most remarkable feat

Highlights the exceptional nature of a specific action or accomplishment.

the top priority

Indicates what is considered most important.

the key element

Highlights the indispensable component.

the main advantage

Emphasizes the primary benefit.

the crowning glory

Suggests the final and most impressive accomplishment.

the masterpiece

Implies a work of exceptional skill and artistry.

the gold standard

Denotes the highest level of quality or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "the greatest thing" in a sentence?

You can use "the greatest thing" to express your high opinion or admiration for something. For example, you might say, "For me, the "greatest thing" about traveling is experiencing new cultures".

What are some alternatives to "the greatest thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the best aspect", "the ultimate achievement", or "the pinnacle of success".

Is "the greatest thing" formal or informal?

"The greatest thing" is generally considered to be informal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "the most significant aspect" or "the primary benefit".

What does it mean when someone says something is "the greatest thing since sliced bread"?

This idiom means that something is innovative or excellent. Saying something is "the "greatest thing" since sliced bread" means it's one of the best inventions or developments ever.