a big favour

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big favour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a friend or family member to do something that requires a lot of effort or work, or something that goes above and beyond what would normally be expected. For example, "Could you do me a big favour and help me move house this weekend?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The doubt did me a big favour.

Independent

I did him a big favour in my opinion".

Independent

It was a big favour, he later reasoned.

The Guardian

"You could do us all a big favour.

The Guardian - Film

But he is doing former shareholders and creditors a big favour.

The Economist

By deigning to meet, Mr Zuckerberg gave the impression that he was doing Wright a big favour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Let's do these families a bigger favour by tuning in, and switching off our own cheap voyeurism.

The Guardian - Opinion

But seeing as he has never been interested in awards, it was hard not to feel that the Foreign Press Association might have done him a bigger favour by leaving him be and letting him quietly get on with his work and his life.

The Guardian - Opinion

So I was very surprised when, just before we said goodbye and thanks for the mojitos, Tom said – completely out of the blue – "I need to ask you guys a very big favour".

BBC

"I have one big favour to ask of you," he said.

BBC

If you're one of the people sending death threats to @sueperkins could you please do the world a much bigger favour by killing yourself.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering "a big favour", consider the potential impact on yourself and be prepared to follow through. Don't over-commit or make promises you can't keep.

Common error

Avoid assuming that doing "a big favour" automatically entitles you to one in return. While reciprocity is common, it's important to approach it as a gesture of goodwill rather than a transaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big favour" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., ask, do) or following a preposition. It describes a request for assistance or an act of kindness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big favour" is a common phrase used to describe a request for significant assistance or an act of considerable kindness. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific context and the relationship with the person you are addressing to ensure appropriateness. Always be clear and specific when asking for or offering assistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant favor

Emphasizes the importance of the favor requested.

a substantial favor

Highlights the considerable nature of the assistance.

a major act of kindness

Focuses on the benevolent aspect of the deed.

a considerable service

Stresses the helpful nature of the action.

a great assistance

Highlights the significant help provided.

a large act of help

Emphasizes the magnitude of the assistance.

a considerable courtesy

Highlights the politeness and respect inherent in the action.

a notable good turn

Indicates an action that is particularly kind and memorable.

a real act of generosity

Focuses on the unselfish nature of the assistance.

a notable boon

Suggests that the favor is a significant benefit or advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big favour" when asking someone for significant assistance. For example, "Could you do me "a big favour" and pick me up from the airport?"

What is a more formal way to ask for "a big favour"?

In a more formal setting, you might ask for "a significant assistance" or "a substantial help" instead of ""a big favour"".

What are some alternatives to saying "doing someone a big favour"?

Instead of "doing someone "a big favour"", you could say "providing a considerable service" or "offering significant assistance".

Is it always appropriate to ask for "a big favour"?

It's important to consider your relationship with the person and the context before asking for ""a big favour"". Make sure it's someone you trust and that the timing is appropriate.