a big feast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a big feast' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large amount of food which is prepared and eaten in celebration of something. For example: "The family prepared a big feast for their son's graduation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Make it a big feast".

The New Yorker

"Then we had a big feast".

The New York Times

It was fantastic when they won the double, we had a big feast".

Independent

They have slaughtered animals and prepared a big feast to celebrate him becoming a man.

The Guardian - Arts

Tells how the poverty stricken Otter family, consisting of parents and sixteen children manage to have a big feast occasionally.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, October 8 , 1938P. 66 Tells how the poverty stricken Otter family, consisting of parents and sixteen children manage to have a big feast occasionally.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

That compared with a figure of 60% for bumblebees that came from a colony where the scent of lavender was absent.Precisely why the bumblebees largely ignored social information about lavender and so steadfastly stuck with their personal knowledge about geraniums providing a bigger feast, even when it was no longer so, proved vexing.

The Economist

They lived in a house in the Sestiere di San Polo, where Buzz often cooked for the barman, the gondoliers, the Cavaliere and their families; that Christmas, he was preparing a bigger feast to include the 11 members of the Buck-O'Toole-Craig-Alexander party.

The New York Times

Formerly, I'd seen it as nothing more than an appetizer for the big feast of "The Lord of the Rings".

The New Yorker

For the big feast, I changed into a short black-hooded cotton jersey dress from Patricia Field: a bold Keith Haring print in white and red, with black custom-made leggings.

The New York Times

(Reinold Kegel, who cooked at the American Academy in Berlin when I was a fellow there, read up on the big feast and, inspired by the idea, and perhaps by the availability, of pumpkins, produced a Thanksgiving dinner that, barring the turkey, was almost entirely orange: pumpkin soup, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big feast" to evoke a sense of abundance and celebration, particularly when describing meals prepared for holidays, special occasions, or to honor someone.

Common error

Avoid using "a big feast" to describe ordinary meals. This phrase implies a special occasion. Instead, opt for terms like "large meal" or "substantial dinner" for daily dining experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big feast" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a large, elaborate meal. This is evident in examples from Ludwig like "They have slaughtered animals and prepared "a big feast" to celebrate him becoming a man."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academic

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big feast" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an elaborate and celebratory meal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While its register is generally neutral, it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for special occasions to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "a lavish banquet" or "a sumptuous repast" can add a touch of formality when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lavish banquet

Emphasizes the opulence and grandeur of the meal, focusing on the extravagance of the spread.

a sumptuous repast

Highlights the richness and high quality of the food, suggesting a refined and indulgent dining experience.

a grand buffet

Focuses on the variety and abundance of dishes available, often served in a self-service format.

a festive spread

Highlights the celebratory nature of the meal, emphasizing the joy and abundance associated with the occasion.

a holiday dinner

Connects the meal to a specific holiday, emphasizing the traditional and communal aspects of the dining experience.

an elaborate meal

Stresses the complexity and preparation involved in creating the meal, focusing on the artistry and skill of the cook.

a huge spread

Emphasizes the vast quantity and variety of food, suggesting an overwhelming and impressive display.

a celebratory dinner

Highlights the occasion for the dinner. The dinner is for celebrating something.

a substantial meal

Emphasizes the size and filling nature of the meal, suggesting it is hearty and satisfying.

a potluck supper

Focuses on the communal aspect of the meal, where guests contribute different dishes to create a diverse and shared dining experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big feast" to describe a large, elaborate meal prepared for a special occasion. For example, "The family prepared "a big feast" for Thanksgiving".

What can I say instead of "a big feast"?

You can use alternatives like "a lavish banquet", "a sumptuous repast", or "a grand buffet" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a big feast" and "a large meal"?

"A big feast" implies a celebratory and elaborate meal, while "a large meal" simply refers to the quantity of food consumed. "A big feast" is typically reserved for special occasions.

Is "a big feast" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a big feast" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "a lavish banquet" or "a sumptuous repast" may be more suitable for academic or business contexts.