a big hole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big hole" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large opening or cavity in a surface, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "After the heavy rain, there was a big hole in the road that needed to be repaired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

There's a big hole".

The New Yorker

"This is a big hole.

The New York Times - Sports

"It leaves a big hole".

The New York Times

It was a big hole.

The Guardian

Its absence will leave a big hole".

The Guardian

"But we dug ourselves a big hole.

The New York Times - Sports

Removing one doctor left a big hole.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"They dug ourselves a big hole in the first half.

The New York Times - Sports

18. These-Pants-Have-A-Big-Hole-In-Them Guilt.

Huffington Post

"It's a big hole," Pedro Feliciano said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are already in a big hole".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big hole" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes what is missing or lacking. For instance, "The retirement of the star player left a big hole in the team's offense."

Common error

Avoid using "a big hole" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "significant gap", "substantial void", or other contextually appropriate alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big hole" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "big" is an adjective modifying the noun "hole". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, referring to a physical opening or, more often, a metaphorical absence or deficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

General Discussion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big hole" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the presence of a significant void or deficiency. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. While commonly found in news, sports, and general discussions, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. By understanding its nuances and context, writers can use "a big hole" effectively or opt for more precise synonyms to achieve the desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant gap

Emphasizes the notability and importance of the void or absence.

a substantial void

Highlights the emptiness and the considerable size of what is missing.

a considerable deficit

Focuses on the lack or shortage, particularly in numerical or quantifiable contexts.

a major deficiency

Stresses the inadequacy or imperfection of something, creating a significant problem.

a gaping chasm

Suggests a wide and profound division or difference, often irreparable.

a large omission

Highlights the act of leaving something out, resulting in a noticeable absence.

a critical flaw

Emphasizes a significant imperfection that undermines the integrity of something.

a serious setback

Highlights a significant obstacle or reversal that creates difficulty.

a painful absence

Focuses on the emotional impact of something or someone missing.

a notable absence

Highlights the visibility and significance of something missing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big hole" both literally, referring to a physical opening, or metaphorically, referring to a significant absence or problem. For example: "There's a big hole in the road" or "His departure left a big hole in our team".

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant gap", "a substantial void", or "a considerable deficit" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a big hole" may sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated language such as "a significant deficiency" or "a notable absence" for professional or academic writing.

What is the difference between "a big hole" and "a gaping hole"?

"A big hole" simply indicates a large opening or absence. "A gaping hole", on the other hand, implies that the opening is wide, exposed, and perhaps shocking or unsettling. The term "a gaping hole" suggests a more dramatic and impactful void.