a big power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a country or entity that has significant influence or strength, often in a political or economic context. Example: "In the global arena, the United States is often considered a big power due to its military and economic capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a big power grab.

The New Yorker

Is this all a big power play?

The New Yorker

He's a big, power forward type guy.

The New York Times - Sports

The electric utility is backing a big power project linking Nova Scotia with Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Economist

When the currency crisis hit South-East Asia, Malaysia promptly cancelled a big power project.

The Economist

(C) Iran wants to be a "big power," agreed the Amir, but what sort?

The Guardian

"Brian Bruney also had a big power tool, so we gave him a shot.

The New York Times

"Textiles and furniture created a big power grid in the south.

The New York Times - Tech

"People don't want a big power plant out here, so what do we have?

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He scored the overtime winner in Game 2 and a big power-play goal last night.

The New Yorker

"We had a big power-play goal early and a few others throughout the night," Bourque said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big power" when you want to emphasize the significant influence and capability of a country or organization in a general context. It's suitable for describing entities with considerable impact but might not necessarily be the largest or most dominant.

Common error

Avoid using "a big power" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "major power" or "significant power" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "big" is an adjective modifying the noun "power". It is used to describe an entity that possesses considerable influence or strength, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big power" is a commonly used phrase that describes an entity with significant influence, predominantly in political and economic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, with neutral formality, though more formal synonyms might be preferable in academic settings. While "a big power" is versatile, remember to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the most effective communication. Alternatives such as "a major power" or "an influential nation" can provide a more nuanced description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great power

Similar to 'a big power' but carries a slightly more historical or formal connotation.

a significant power

Uses a more formal tone to convey substantial influence.

a major influence

Emphasizes the capacity to affect events or decisions significantly.

an influential entity

Broadly applies to any organization or group with considerable impact.

a dominant force

Highlights the strength and control exerted over others.

a global player

Suggests an active and significant role in international relations.

a leading nation

Specifically refers to a country at the forefront of global affairs.

a power player

Focuses on individuals or groups with substantial authority.

a superpower

Indicates a nation with exceptional military and economic strength.

an imposing presence

Highlights the noticeable and often intimidating effect of a powerful entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big power" to describe a country or organization that has a lot of influence. For example, "The United States is often considered "a big power" in global politics because of its economic and military strength."

What's the difference between "a big power" and "a superpower"?

"A superpower" refers to a nation with dominant influence globally, like the US or formerly the Soviet Union, while ""a big power"" describes any entity with considerable influence, though not necessarily at the superpower level.

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

You can use alternatives like "a major power", "an influential nation", or "a dominant force" depending on the specific context.

Is "a big power" formal or informal?

"A big power" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for news articles and general discussions. For more formal academic or professional writing, terms like "a significant power" might be preferable.