a big move

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big move" is a perfectly valid phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a decision or action that has a lot of importance or consequence. For example: "A few weeks ago, the company made a big move and opened up a new office in Hong Kong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a big move".

The New York Times

A It was a big move.

The New York Times

"This is a big move.

The New York Times

It's been a big move".

The New Yorker

My horse has a big move.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a big move that we've made.

The Guardian

"They don't have the money to make a big move.

The New York Times

That was a big move for each of us.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a big move and he deserves some time.

Independent

This is a transitional show that makes a big move.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a big move forward for the agency".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big move" to emphasize the importance of a decision or action, creating a sense of anticipation or consequence for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a big move" when a simpler, more direct description would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big move" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence, describing an action, decision, or change that is considered significant. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big move" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe an action or decision with significant importance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, this phrase is prevalent in news and media, academic writing, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants its use to highlight the magnitude of the action effectively. Alternatives like ""a significant step"" or ""a major decision"" can be employed to add nuance. Avoiding overuse is critical to maintaining its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant step

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the action.

a major decision

Highlights the decisiveness and potential consequences of the action.

a bold action

Focuses on the courage and potential risk involved in the action.

a game-changing strategy

Suggests the action will significantly alter the existing situation.

a transformative change

Emphasizes the potential for the action to bring about lasting and profound changes.

a strategic shift

Highlights a change in approach or direction.

a radical departure

Suggests a strong break from previous norms or practices.

an ambitious undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and difficulty of the action.

a large-scale initiative

Focuses on the size and scope of the project or plan.

a substantial investment

Highlights the resources and commitment involved in the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big move" to describe a significant action or decision. For example, "The company's decision to relocate its headquarters was "a big move" that affected many employees."

What are some alternatives to "a big move"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant step", "a major decision", or "a bold action".

Is "a big move" formal or informal?

"A big move" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "a strategic shift".

What does "a big move" usually imply?

"A big move" implies that the action is important, impactful, and potentially risky. It suggests that the decision could have significant consequences.