a big banter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big banter" is not correct in standard English usage.
The term "banter" typically refers to playful or friendly exchange of teasing remarks, and it is usually uncountable, so it does not pair with "a big." Example: "Their banter during lunch always lightens the mood in the office."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We will start a big banter this week, tweeting and texting.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He knew the value of a close-knit dressing-room and was a big part of the banter, but he also knew when the time was right to get tuned in and focus.

BBC

"I've lost a half-million dollars here". Downstairs, a group bantered in Cantonese with a big, ginger-haired Irishman whose Chinese had a certain Bowery burr.

The New York Times

Click here to see who else is in the jungle Why take part?: Missing the team spirit of her swimming glory days, she's looking forward to feeling "like a big family" and "being part of all the banter".

Independent

6. BBC Breakfast News The news part of the programme is great and gets a big tick and two gold stars, but the quality of banter is frankly execrable.

The Guardian - Money

"When it came to the banter, there was obviously a lot of stick to Ian Poulter, a big Arsenal fan.

Independent

Be prepared to banter with your customers – it's half the fun and makes a big difference to what you shift.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In romantically corseted Indian society, bantering with the person who is the object of one's affection is a big no-no.

The New York Times

With a big group of lads, grannies think they're going to rob their handbags". But he insists that far from gang warfare, the chav-goth tension in Peterborough is like anywhere in the country, it is simply "friendly banter".

The Guardian

She has no penis, no establishment position and is not big on banter.

The Guardian

However, British boozing isn't all big nights, banter and beautiful moments you're unlikely to remember the following morning; new research into global drinking habits has revealed that, for every 100 drinkers in a British pub, at least one will end up seeking emergency treatment after getting pissed.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "a big banter", opt for phrases like "a lot of banter", "great banter", or "friendly banter" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" with the word "banter" as it is generally uncountable. Using "a" implies that banter is a countable noun, which is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use quantifying adjectives like 'a lot of' or 'some'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big banter" functions as a noun phrase, although it is grammatically questionable. While Ludwig indicates that it's not standard English, the examples show it attempts to describe a significant amount of playful conversation or teasing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a big banter" appears in some contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. "Banter" is generally an uncountable noun, so using the article "a" before it is inappropriate. More suitable alternatives include "a lot of banter", "great banter", or "friendly banter". Although the phrase is understandable, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. The phrase appears most often in News & Media sources, but the grammatical issue makes its overall usage questionable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lot of banter

Emphasizes the quantity of the playful conversation rather than its magnitude or scale.

great banter

Highlights the quality and enjoyment derived from the playful conversation.

friendly exchange

Focuses on the amicable and reciprocal nature of the conversation.

playful chat

Replaces 'banter' with a simpler term, emphasizing the lightheartedness of the conversation.

lively repartee

Uses a more formal term to describe a quick and witty exchange of remarks.

witty conversation

Highlights the intelligence and humor present in the exchange.

good-natured ribbing

Specifically refers to teasing and joking in a friendly way.

teasing conversation

Focuses on the playful teasing aspect of the exchange.

jovial discussion

Emphasizes the cheerful and good-humored nature of the exchange.

humorous back-and-forth

Highlights the comedic and interactive element of the conversation.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "a big banter"?

No, the phrase "a big banter" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "Banter" is typically used as an uncountable noun. It's more appropriate to say "a lot of banter" or "great banter".

What are some alternatives to "a big banter"?

Instead of "a big banter", you can use alternatives such as "a lot of banter", "great banter", or "friendly banter" depending on the context.

How can I use the word "banter" correctly in a sentence?

Use "banter" as an uncountable noun. For example, "There was a lot of banter during the meeting" or "The team enjoyed some friendly banter after the game".

What does "banter" mean?

"Banter" refers to a light, playful, and teasing exchange of remarks. It's often used to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.