a big height

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big height" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when describing something that is significantly tall or elevated, but it is better to use more precise language. Example: "The mountain reached a big height, making it one of the tallest in the region."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After all, you've got a big height advantage, and Kirk -- try as he might - still can't go to his left.

Huffington Post

You may have to fold more, and lower over the horse's neck if you are jumping a jump of a big height.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

You've got to hand it to Barclays - when it comes to dropping the smelly stuff on customers from a great height, the big blue eagle really did itself proud this week.

The Guardian - Money

WEST VIRGINIA 88, PROVIDENCE 74 Devin Ebanks scored 21 points and No. 8 West Virginia (20-5, 9-4 Big East) used its big height advantage to dominate inside and break a two-game losing streak.

The New York Times - Sports

For a bigger bed height, the increase of adsorbent mass would provide a larger surface area leading to an increase in the volume of the treated solution.

Applied Water Science

Higher uptake was observed at a bigger bed height due to the increase in the amount of the adsorbent which provided more adsorption sites for the adsorption process to proceed.

Applied Water Science

Asked whether Dennison had reminded her that pole vaulters are renowned for breaking records by small margins – not insignificantly rewarded at £5,000 a time in this country – Bleasdale says: "I know, I know, but I just want to get big heights.

The Guardian - Sport

"My run-up was really good again today but I can't seem to translate that speed into my vault to get the big heights - but to jump 4.70, I'm really happy".

BBC

He can walk the walk, too: Federer can do nothing with a big, looping, head-height forehand from the Spaniard on the next point.

The Guardian - Sport

That was a big blow at the height of the peak season, when the hotel makes most of its money.

BBC

The biggest height difference any of us experiences in life is the one we have with our parents growing up.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing height, consider using more precise measurements or descriptive adjectives to provide a clearer picture for your audience. For example, instead of saying "a big height", specify the height in feet or meters or use descriptive words like "towering" or "substantial".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on general adjectives like "big" to describe height. Using more specific adjectives or numerical measurements enhances clarity and provides a more vivid image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big height" functions as a noun phrase where "big" modifies the noun "height". It generally describes something that is significantly tall or elevated. As pointed out by Ludwig, it may sound awkward and it's advisable to use more precise language.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big height" is a grammatically acceptable but somewhat vague way to describe something that is tall or elevated. According to Ludwig, it's not a commonly used phrase, with limited examples found in real-world contexts. The sources where it appears tend to be in news media, wikis, and scientific texts. For more precise and impactful writing, consider using alternatives like "a considerable height" or "a substantial height". While understandable, "a big height" can be improved upon for clarity and sophistication in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable height

Emphasizes the largeness or importance of the height.

a significant height

Highlights the noteworthiness of the height.

a substantial height

Indicates that the height is of considerable size or amount.

a great height

A more common and general way to describe something that is very tall.

an impressive height

Focuses on the striking or admirable quality of the height.

a towering height

Suggests the height is tall and imposing.

an enormous height

Stresses the extreme size of the height.

a considerable elevation

Emphasizes the vertical distance from a reference point.

a commanding height

Implies the height provides a position of authority or dominance.

a dominating height

Suggests the height is prominent and stands out.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "a considerable height", "a great height", or "a substantial height" to describe something tall, depending on the context.

Is "a big height" grammatically correct?

While grammatically understandable, "a big height" is not the most common or elegant way to describe something tall. It's better to use more descriptive and precise language.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a big height"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase if you're trying to generally emphasize that something is noticeably tall. However, aim for alternatives for clearer communication.

How can I make my writing more descriptive when discussing height?

Instead of using vague terms like "big", consider using specific measurements, comparative adjectives (e.g., taller, higher), or evocative descriptors such as "towering height" or "commanding height".