a big order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large request or purchase, often in a business or retail context. Example: "We received a big order from our largest client, which will significantly boost our sales this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a big order".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a big order for you.

The New York Times

Talk about a big order.

The New York Times

But that's a big order.

The New York Times - Style

And that's a big order, right?

The Washington Post

"If a big order comes in we have to work.

The Guardian

"By negotiating a big order we are hoping to drive down prices," Mr. Gravili said.

The New York Times - Tech

"UBS used to call in a big order every week," he said.

The New York Times

They got a big order from a major company to make chairs for its new HQ.

The Guardian

Someone puts in a big order and that gives the signal to other algorithms.

The New York Times

In the end, it is saved by a big order from Hewlett-Packard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big order", consider the context. If the size is the most important aspect, alternatives like "a large order" or "a substantial order" may be more precise. If the difficulty in fulfilling the order is key, consider "a demanding order".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "big" without providing specific context or quantification. Instead of just saying "We received a big order", add details: "We received a big order of 10,000 units", making the impact clearer and more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big order" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It typically describes a substantial request or purchase, as supported by Ludwig's examples where it modifies nouns related to sales, manufacturing, and customer requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big order" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates the significant size or scale of a request or purchase. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and business contexts with a neutral register, making it suitable for various communicative purposes. While it's a correct and usable phrase as confirmed by Ludwig AI, consider providing specific details or quantifications to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a large order" or "a substantial order" may offer more precision depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large order

Replaces "big" with a synonym emphasizing the size of the order.

a substantial order

Emphasizes the significant quantity or value of the order.

a sizable order

Indicates the order is of considerable size or amount.

a major order

Highlights the importance or scale of the order.

a significant order

Focuses on the order's notable impact or importance.

a considerable order

Similar to substantial, implying a noteworthy amount.

a demanding order

Shifts focus to the effort or resources required to fulfill the order.

a massive order

Suggests an extremely large or overwhelming order.

an extensive order

Highlights the comprehensiveness or complexity of the order.

a bulk order

Implies the order involves a large quantity of goods, often at a discount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big order" to describe a large purchase or request. For example, "The company secured "a big order" from a major corporation", or "The factory is working overtime to fulfill "a big order" before the deadline".

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

You can use alternatives like "a large order", "a substantial order", or "a significant order" depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "a large order" or "a big order"?

Both "a large order" and ""a big order"" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Large" is often considered more formal, while "big" is more informal. The best choice depends on the tone you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a big order" and "a demanding order"?

"A big order" refers to the size or quantity of the order, while "a demanding order" emphasizes the difficulty or resources required to complete it. They highlight different aspects of the order.