a big helping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big helping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large portion of food served to someone. Example: "At the family dinner, I was served a big helping of mashed potatoes that I couldn't finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

My father-in-law had a big helping.

The New York Times

Treat or Treat Menu description: A big helping of candy corn.

The New Yorker

While you're awaiting that consultation, here's a big helping of diet-related cartoons.

The New Yorker

It came with a big helping of good salad and fresh tomatoes.

The New York Times - Travel

This was partly because Handel, with a big helping hand from the national Republican Party, ran an effective campaign.

The New Yorker

"Five hundred rupees!" I always pay (she knows I can't say no), and with it goes a big helping of our Western guilt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It's a big help," she said.

The New York Times

I think that's a big help.

The New York Times

It is a big help.

The New York Times

That's a big help".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a big help," Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big helping" when you want to convey a generous or substantial amount of something, whether it's food, effort, or assistance. It adds a relatable and somewhat informal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a big helping" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "significant amount" or "substantial contribution" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big helping" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts, such as receiving "a big helping" of attention or being served "a big helping" of food. This indicates its role in describing the quantity or amount of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big helping" is a common noun phrase used to describe a generous or substantial amount of something. Ludwig highlights that it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, travel, and opinion pieces. While it leans towards a neutral to informal register, it's a versatile phrase for conveying abundance. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between "a big helping" and more formal alternatives like "substantial amount".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a generous portion

Emphasizes the abundant size of the serving or contribution.

a large serving

Focuses on the quantity of food provided.

a substantial amount

Highlights the significant quantity or degree of something.

a considerable quantity

Similar to substantial amount, but slightly more formal.

a significant contribution

Refers to a notable contribution of effort or resources.

a plentiful supply

Emphasizes the abundance and availability of something.

an ample dose

Suggests a generous or more-than-sufficient quantity, often used figuratively.

a hearty portion

Implies a fulfilling and satisfying amount, often related to food.

a vast quantity

Highlights the immensity or scale of the amount.

a mountain of

Figuratively describes a very large amount of something.

FAQs

What does "a big helping" mean?

The phrase "a big helping" refers to a large or generous portion of something, often food, but can also apply to abstract concepts like assistance or effort.

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

You can use alternatives like "a generous portion", "a large serving", or "a substantial amount" depending on the context.

Is "a big helping" formal or informal?

The phrase "a big helping" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using "a significant quantity" or "a considerable amount".

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

Here's an example: "He received "a big helping" of support from his family during the difficult time." Alternatively, in the context of food: "She served him "a big helping" of lasagna."