a big chunk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a big chunk of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a colloquial expression used to refer to a large portion or quantity of something. For example, "I have to finish a big chunk of my project by tomorrow afternoon".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Obamacare closes a big chunk of it.

The New York Times

A big chunk of dance-nut manna.

The New York Times - Books

Comedy is winning a big chunk of the audience.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

A big chunk of his life was missing.

The New York Times

"A big chunk of money is allocated to drugs".

The Guardian

That takes away a big chunk of your earnings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Pharmaceutical companies are also responsible for a big chunk of patient-level data [ 11].

BioMed Research International

That's a big chunk of energy.

Forbes

"We've culturally fallen out of touch with a big chunk of the country," Todd said.

Duke University

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big chunk of" when you want to emphasize the substantial size or amount of something in a clear and easily understandable way. It is suitable for both tangible and intangible things.

Common error

Avoid using "a big chunk of" in formal or highly professional writing contexts. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language like "a significant portion" or "a substantial amount" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big chunk of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant portion or quantity. It is commonly used to express that something constitutes a large part of a whole, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big chunk of" is a common and readily understandable way to express a significant portion or quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to informal contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "a substantial portion" or "a significant amount". It frequently appears in news and media sources and should be avoided in overly formal settings. Use it when you want to convey a large part in a clear and accessible manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial portion of

Replaces "big" with "substantial", indicating a considerable amount, maintaining a similar level of formality.

a significant part of

Substitutes "chunk" with "part", providing a more general term for a portion, suitable for various contexts.

a large segment of

Uses "segment" instead of "chunk", suggesting a distinct section of a whole, implying a structured division.

a considerable amount of

Replaces "chunk" with "amount", focusing on quantity rather than a physical piece, suitable for uncountable nouns.

a sizable fraction of

Employs "fraction" to denote a proportion, indicating a numerical relationship to the whole.

a good deal of

Offers a more informal way to express a large quantity, appropriate for casual conversation.

the lion's share of

An idiomatic expression indicating the largest portion, often implying an unfair distribution.

a major piece of

Uses 'piece' instead of 'chunk' indicating that something is a large component.

a hefty slice of

Employs "slice", suggesting a portion cut from a larger whole, adding a visual element.

a generous helping of

Implies abundance and generosity, often used in the context of food or resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big chunk of" to describe a significant portion or amount of something. For example, "I spent "a big chunk of my time" reading this book" or "A big chunk of the budget is allocated to marketing".

What are some alternatives to "a big chunk of"?

Some alternatives include "a substantial portion of", "a significant part of", or "a considerable amount of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

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

While grammatically correct, "a big chunk of" is generally considered informal. For academic writing, it's better to use more formal alternatives such as "a significant portion" or "a substantial amount".

What's the difference between "a big chunk of" and "a large part of"?

While similar, "a big chunk of" often implies a more physical or tangible portion, whereas "a large part of" is more general and can refer to abstract concepts as well. Consider the nuance when choosing between "a large part of" and "a big chunk of" to best fit your context.