a big event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occasion that is significant or noteworthy, often involving a large gathering or celebration. Example: "The annual charity gala is a big event that attracts attendees from all over the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Stella?" Telephone calls were a big event.

The New Yorker

"For Parma, this is a big event.

The New York Times

Shopping for a big event?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was a big event here".

The New York Times

"It was a big event," he said.

The New York Times - Science

That was a big event for me".

The Guardian - Film

And this is a big event.

The New York Times

It's going to be a big event.

The Guardian - Sport

Now that really is a big event.

The Guardian - Music

"But that's not a plus going into a big event".

The New York Times - Sports

"Snegur I knew about and we had a big event.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, consider the specific context and choose synonyms that accurately reflect its significance. For example, use "major occasion" for formal events or "notable celebration" for festive gatherings.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid relying solely on the phrase "big event". Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "significant occasion" or "momentous occurrence" to convey a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big event" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use, signifying an occurrence of considerable importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big event" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant occasion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, its formality level is generally neutral, suggesting that more sophisticated alternatives should be considered for professional writing. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, remember to tailor your choice of phrase to the specific context and audience, drawing from the suggested alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major occasion

Replaces "event" with "occasion", suggesting a significant or noteworthy happening.

a significant happening

Emphasizes the importance of the event using "significant" and "happening".

an important affair

Substitutes "event" with "affair", often implying a formal or organized gathering.

a momentous occurrence

Uses "momentous" and "occurrence" to highlight the historical or impactful nature of the event.

a notable celebration

Focuses on the celebratory aspect of a significant event.

a landmark experience

Highlights the transformative or memorable qualities of the event.

a considerable milestone

Suggests the event marks a significant achievement or turning point.

an outstanding spectacle

Emphasizes the visual or impressive nature of the event.

a prominent gathering

Focuses on the assembly of people for the event.

a remarkable incident

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy character of the event as something that has occurred.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big event" to describe a significant or noteworthy occasion. For example, "The conference was "a big event" for researchers in the field".

What are some alternatives to saying "a big event"?

Some alternatives include "a major occasion", "a significant happening", or "an important affair", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a big event" in formal writing?

While "a big event" is widely understood, it may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a momentous occurrence" or "a considerable milestone" in formal writing.

What distinguishes "a big event" from "a small event"?

"A big event" implies a significant occasion, often involving a large gathering and considerable planning. In contrast, "a small event" suggests a less significant and more intimate gathering.