a big chunk

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big chunk" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount or piece of something, either tangible or figurative. For example: "I received a big chunk of the inheritance from my grandmother's estate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a big chunk.

The Economist

Obamacare closes a big chunk of it.

The New York Times

I have a big chunk missing.

The Guardian

A big chunk of dance-nut manna.

The New York Times - Books

That took a big chunk of time.

The Guardian

To most Americans, it is a big chunk of change.

The New Yorker

Both would be a big chunk for Unilever to swallow.

The Economist

That's a big chunk of Warren Buffett's favored economic resource.

The New Yorker

Comedy is winning a big chunk of the audience.

The New York Times

There's a big chunk of your own biography, too.

The New York Times

A big chunk of his life was missing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big chunk", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'chunk' refers to, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify "a big chunk of the budget" rather than just "a big chunk."

Common error

Avoid using "a big chunk" in highly formal or academic writing, as it may be perceived as too informal. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary, such as "a significant portion" or "a substantial segment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big chunk" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It quantifies a large or notable portion of something. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big chunk" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a significant portion or amount. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, and the examples provided showcase its widespread usage across various news and media outlets. While suitable for general communication, it might be prudent to opt for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional contexts. Phrases like "significant portion" or "substantial segment" offer greater precision in formal writing. Understanding its function, purpose, and register allows for effective and appropriate use of the phrase in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the amount.

a substantial segment

Highlights the size and completeness of the part.

a considerable amount

Focuses on the quantity being large or noteworthy.

a sizable piece

Underscores the physical dimensions or scale of the part.

a large fraction

Indicates the proportion is significant in relation to the whole.

a hefty share

Suggests the portion is weighty or substantial in value or impact.

a major segment

Highlights that the component is an important aspect of a larger thing.

a good proportion

Focuses on the beneficial or adequate nature of the amount.

a large component

This refers to a constituent element that is a significant size.

a healthy slice

Highlights the generosity or substantial size of the portion.

FAQs

How can I use "a big chunk" in a sentence?

You can use "a big chunk" to describe a significant amount or portion of something, for instance: "A big chunk of my salary goes to rent."

What's a more formal alternative to "a big chunk"?

Consider using phrases like "a significant portion", "a substantial amount", or "a considerable segment" for a more formal tone.

Is it appropriate to use "a big chunk" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a big chunk" might be considered too informal for academic writing. More precise terms like "a significant portion" or "a major component" are often preferred.

What does "a big chunk" typically refer to?

"A big chunk" typically refers to a large or considerable part of something, whether it's a physical object, money, time, or even an abstract concept. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.