a big fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big fortune" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a large amount of money, typically a large amount of money someone is fortunate to have. For example, "After winning the lottery, he felt he had been given a big fortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Start with a big fortune from newspapers.

The Guardian

"But we didn't spend a big fortune".

The New York Times - Style

Start with a big fortune". But if we were to manage it, we'd have access to what are essentially unlimited resources.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Al Pacino, a more frequent visitor to the stage, stars in David Mamet's "China Doll," at the Schoenfeld, as a guy with a big fortune and a young fiancée (Oct . 21.

The New Yorker

Mr. Torres, the dean of pastry studies at New York's French Culinary Institute, who makes his own bean-to-bar chocolate in his Manhattan factory, added, "You need a big fortune to make a fortune in chocolate".

The New York Times - Food

You come with a big fortune, and you leave with a little one," says Suchar.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And Moore knows a bigger fortune could await him, way out there on the horizon.

The New York Times - Sports

It's just one of many high jinks that begin the wild tale of how Edison's wealthy aunt learns that the scandalously ­middle-class woman her son is running away with — Rachel Chu, the protagonist of "Crazy Rich Asians" — is actually Carlton's illegitimate half sister and heir to a bigger fortune than her own.

The New York Times - Books

At 36, he retired to Florida, where he made a bigger fortune in automobiles.

Los Angeles Times

Orso knows that his father, for all his leftist-intellectual-aristocratic distaste for having a son in trade, had a fundamental Veneto respect for a thumping big fortune.

The New Yorker

They believe a big enough fortune justifies the means.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about inherited wealth, consider using "a big fortune" to emphasize not just the amount, but the element of luck or privilege associated with it. For example: "He inherited a big fortune, allowing him to pursue his passions without financial worry."

Common error

Avoid using "a big fortune" when simply referring to a large sum of money earned through labor. The phrase carries a connotation of unexpected luck or inheritance, which might not be appropriate in all contexts. Use "a great deal of money" or "a substantial amount" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big fortune" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents a concept—a substantial amount of wealth—as illustrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big fortune" is a common noun phrase used to describe a significant amount of wealth, often with an implication of luck or inheritance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms exist, such as "a substantial fortune" or "a sizeable fortune", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, consider the context and avoid implying luck when referring to wealth earned through labor. Remember, using "a great deal of money" might be more appropriate in some scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sizable fortune

Similar, but emphasizes the considerable size of the fortune.

substantial riches

Highlights the abundance and extravagance of wealth.

a large inheritance

Focuses on wealth acquired through inheritance rather than general fortune.

a king's ransom

An idiomatic expression denoting a very large sum of money, often associated with specific transactions.

a considerable estate

Emphasizes the total value of possessions, not just financial wealth.

a massive windfall

Implies a sudden and unexpected acquisition of wealth.

significant assets

Refers to valuable resources and possessions, including but not limited to money.

a vast treasure

Suggests a hidden or accumulated wealth, often with historical or adventurous connotations.

a great deal of money

A more general term for a large sum, without the implication of good fortune.

a mountain of cash

Visually emphasizes the quantity of money, suggesting a physical accumulation of wealth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big fortune" to describe a large amount of money, especially when it comes unexpectedly or through inheritance. For example: "She inherited "a large fortune" from her grandfather." or "Winning the lottery gave him "a sizeable fortune"."

What's the difference between "a big fortune" and "a lot of money"?

"A big fortune" implies a substantial amount of wealth and often carries a connotation of luck or inheritance, while "a lot of money" is a more general term for a large sum, irrespective of its origin. For instance, earning "a great deal of money" through hard work is different than inheriting "a vast fortune".

What are some synonyms for "a big fortune"?

Alternatives include "a substantial fortune", "a sizeable fortune", "a large inheritance", or "a massive windfall", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it's appropriate, especially when you are referring to wealth and its impact or origin. However, in highly formal or technical contexts, consider using more neutral phrases like "significant assets" or "substantial capital" to maintain a more objective tone.