Larger of the two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Larger of the two" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two items or quantities to indicate which one is greater in size or amount. Example: "When comparing the two boxes, the larger of the two is more suitable for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CBS is by far the larger of the two networks.

The New York Times

The larger of the two is closer to its star.

The New York Times

The larger of the two security guards takes the wheel.

The Guardian

Phobos is the larger of the two moons of Mars.

The New Yorker

But there was no question that the economy was the larger of the two factors.

The New York Times

A minute later, we were joined by the larger of the two men.

The Guardian

Serbia is the larger of the two republics that make up the current Yugoslavia.

The New York Times

The larger of the two, the Pyramid of the Sun, is 70m high.

The Guardian - Travel

By far the larger of the two clings to the traditional faith in stock-market investing.

The New York Times

In Africa, the larger of the two species is a step further from extinction.

The Guardian

The larger of the two, Pyronin Y,measures 103cm by 116cm.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "larger of the two", ensure the context clearly establishes that only two items are being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, avoid saying "the larger of the two" if the comparison group consists of more than two objects.

Common error

A common mistake is using "larger of the two" when comparing more than two items. This phrase is specifically for binary comparisons; for more than two items, use "largest".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "larger of the two" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to identify the item that possesses a greater size or magnitude when comparing two distinct entities. As Ludwig confirms, it's commonly employed to differentiate between two options based on size.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "larger of the two" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate which of two items is bigger. As verified by Ludwig, it sees prevalent use in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While "bigger of the two" or "greater of the two" can serve as alternatives, it's crucial to reserve "larger of the two" strictly for comparisons involving just two items, avoiding its misuse when more items are under consideration. Top authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, frequently employ the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bigger of the two

Replaces "larger" with "bigger", offering a more informal tone.

Greater of the two

Substitutes "larger" with "greater", emphasizing a difference in amount or degree rather than physical size.

The more sizable of the two

Replaces "larger" with "more sizable", providing a slightly more formal alternative.

The one with more

Uses a simpler structure, focusing on quantity rather than relative size.

The bulkier of the two

Replaces "larger" with "bulkier", focusing on physical mass or volume.

The bigger one of the pair

Specifies "pair" to reinforce the comparison is between two items.

The greater one of the pair

More emphasis on quantifiable metrics rather than physical size. It also specifies "pair" to reinforce the comparison is between two items.

The more extensive of the two

Indicates a greater scope or extent, rather than just physical size.

The predominant one of the two

Shifts the focus to which of the two has more influence or presence.

Which is bigger

Directly inquires about the relative sizes of the two items.

FAQs

How do I properly use "larger of the two" in a sentence?

Use "larger of the two" when you are explicitly comparing only two items. For example, "Of the two options, the "larger of the two" is more suitable."

What are some alternatives to "larger of the two"?

Alternatives include "bigger of the two" or "greater of the two", depending on whether you're referring to physical size or quantity.

Is it correct to say "larger of the three"?

No, "larger of the three" is grammatically incorrect. When comparing three or more items, the correct term is "largest of the three".

What's the difference between "larger of the two" and "largest of all"?

"Larger of the two" is used for comparing two items, while "largest of all" is used when comparing three or more items. For instance, "This is the "largest of all" the apples in the basket."