what a relief

USAGE SUMMARY

"what a relief" is a perfectly valid phrase for written English.
You can use this phrase to express a feeling of being relieved. For example, "I was so worried about the health of my pet, but after the vet told me that there was nothing seriously wrong, I said "What a relief"".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a relief.

The New York Times

"What a relief," he said.

The New Yorker

"What a relief," Hossa said.

The New York Times - Sports

What a relief, right?

The New Yorker

"But what a relief".

The New York Times

DC: What a relief.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And what a relief that was.

The New York Times - Arts

What a relief, many people said.

The New York Times

"Your first waterbug: what a relief.

The New York Times - Travel

What a relief when it was!

The Guardian - Travel

And what a relief that is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of your writing and choose a synonym if "what a relief" feels too informal. Alternatives like "that's reassuring" or "that's a comfort" may be more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "what a relief" excessively in formal writing. While appropriate for expressing personal feelings, overuse can make your writing sound unprofessional. Vary your language and consider more formal alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a relief" functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey a strong feeling of comfort, reassurance, or liberation after a period of worry, stress, or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a relief" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for expressing feelings of comfort and reassurance after a stressful situation resolves. It functions as an exclamatory expression, primarily used in news and media but also appearing in more formal contexts. While versatile, users should be mindful of the register and consider synonyms like "that's reassuring" in formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, providing numerous examples demonstrating its use across diverse sources. Be genuine, contextual, and avoid overuse to effectively convey your sense of relief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phew, what a relief

Adds an element of breathlessness and immediacy to the feeling of relief.

that's a load off my mind

Similar to "that's a weight off my shoulders", but emphasizes mental relief.

that's a weight off my shoulders

Expresses a release from a burden or worry, more idiomatic than the original phrase.

thank goodness

More emphatic and thankful, suitable for situations where the relief is significant.

that puts my mind at ease

Focuses on the calming effect the news has on the speaker's mental state.

that's reassuring

More formal and direct, focusing on the comfort provided by the news or situation.

that's a comfort

Highlights the comforting aspect of the situation, implying a sense of solace.

I'm so glad to hear that

Expresses personal happiness and relief in response to specific news.

what a blessing

Elevates the relief to a sense of gratitude for a fortunate outcome.

that's a positive outcome

More formal and objective, focusing on the favorable result of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "what a relief" in a sentence?

"What a relief" is typically used as an exclamation to express a feeling of comfort and reassurance after a period of worry or stress. For example, you might say, "I was so worried about the exam, but I passed! "What a relief"!"

What are some alternatives to "what a relief"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "that's reassuring", "that's a comfort", or "thank goodness". These phrases convey similar sentiments but may be more appropriate for different situations.

Is "what a relief" formal or informal?

"What a relief" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. While it's perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, it might be better to use a more formal alternative in professional or academic writing.

When is it appropriate to use "what a relief"?

It is appropriate to use "what a relief" when you want to express a genuine feeling of comfort and reassurance after a stressful or worrying situation has resolved. It's particularly effective when the relief is unexpected or significant.