Meaning
A large amount or extent, especially with uncountable nouns like time, money, or effort.
Primary Function
Quantifying phrase used to emphasize that something requires or involves a substantial quantity.
Communicative Purpose
To convey emphasis on how much is needed or involved without specifying an exact number; often signals seriousness or thoroughness.
Pattern
a great deal of
Core Structure
a great deal of
Função primária
Quantifying phrase used to emphasize that something requires or involves a substantial quantity.
Propósito comunicativo
To convey emphasis on how much is needed or involved without specifying an exact number; often signals seriousness or thoroughness.
Situações de gatilho
When describing tasks, projects, investments, or experiences where the magnitude matters (e.g., "It took a great deal of time," "She invested a great deal of effort").
Contextos
Academic writing, professional reports, formal speech, everyday conversation in English-speaking contexts.
Padrão
a great deal of
Estrutura central
a great deal of
Slots de substituição
uncountable noun phrase
Colocados típicos
- time
- effort
- money
- attention
- research
- work
Substituições comuns
- a lot of
- much
- a considerable amount of
Erros comuns
*Using with count nouns such as "people" (incorrect); correct usage is "a large number of people").
Similar / contraste
a large amount of, a great many (for count)
Interferências
Only applicable when dealing with uncountable nouns; avoid mistakenly applying it to plural/count nouns.
Família do chunk
- a considerable amount of
- a wealth of
- an abundance of
Nuance
More formal and measured than the colloquial phrase 'a lot of'; conveys seriousness without being overly informal.
Efeito pragmático
Adds emphasis on thoroughness, dedication, or significant investment while maintaining an educated tone.
Dica de memória
great deal of
Nota
This chunk is semi-fixed and requires an uncountable noun to follow the preposition 'of'.
Upgrade path
a lot of → much → a great deal of
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