a big proponent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big proponent of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is strongly in support of something and is willing to promote it. For example: "John is a big proponent of environmental conservation, and he actively works to protect natural resources in his community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And he's a big proponent of earmarks.

The New York Times

I'm open-minded and a big proponent of Android".

The Guardian - Tech

"I'm a big proponent of it," Mr. Marzio added.

The New York Times - Arts

Nevertheless, he is a big proponent of social protection policies.

The Guardian

"I'm a big proponent of calories in, calories out, managing your energy equation," she says.

The New York Times

I'm a big proponent of bringing the best parts of your personality into the workplace.

The New York Times

"I'm not a big proponent of faux anything," she said, "but this cracks me up".

The New York Times

My diet has definitely become greener; however, I am a big proponent of everything in moderation.

The New York Times

Claire McCaskill, a big proponent of oil production in Missouri, ranks worst.

The Guardian

Ryan is a big proponent of the gadget formation, particularly because it complicates the opposition's preparation.

The New York Times - Sports

But Tim is now a big proponent of mothers as football coaches.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big proponent of" to clearly and directly express someone's strong support for a particular idea, policy, or practice. It's particularly effective when highlighting active support and promotion, as opposed to passive agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "a big proponent of" for things you merely like or enjoy; reserve it for ideas, policies, or practices you actively support and believe in. Saying "I'm a big proponent of chocolate" is technically correct but less impactful than saying "I'm a big proponent of universal healthcare".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big proponent of" functions as a modifier phrase, specifically a noun phrase functioning adjectivally. It qualifies a noun (often a person or organization) by indicating their strong support for something. Ludwig's examples show it frequently modifying individuals and institutions in news articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big proponent of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone who strongly supports and promotes a particular idea or cause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly within News & Media. While alternatives exist to fine-tune the nuance, this phrase provides a direct and effective way to convey active advocacy. Remember to use it when someone isn't just agreeing with something but actively pushing for it. It's also useful to know that the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major advocate of

Similar to "a big proponent of" but highlights the magnitude of the person's advocacy.

a strong advocate for

Emphasizes active support and defense of a cause or idea. Slightly stronger connotation of actively championing something.

a dedicated champion of

Suggests a commitment to actively promote and defend something, like a cause or idea.

a keen supporter of

Highlights enthusiasm and active backing. Conveys a sense of eagerness in supporting something.

a vocal advocate for

Highlights that the person expresses the support loudly and publicly.

a passionate advocate for

Emphasizes the strong emotions and dedication behind the support.

a staunch defender of

Conveys a firm and unwavering commitment to protecting and upholding something.

a firm believer in

Focuses on deep conviction and faith in something's value or efficacy. Highlights the personal belief aspect.

a vigorous promoter of

Highlights the active and energetic way in which someone advocates for something.

an enthusiastic backer of

Focuses on the positive and excited support someone gives to something.

FAQs

How can I use "a big proponent of" in a sentence?

Use "a big proponent of" to describe someone who actively supports and promotes a particular idea or cause. For example, "She's "a big proponent of renewable energy" and is always looking for ways to promote it".

What are some alternatives to "a big proponent of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a strong advocate for", "a firm believer in", or "a keen supporter of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am proponent of" instead of "I am a proponent of"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The phrase requires the indefinite article "a" before "proponent" because it is a singular, countable noun. The correct phrase is "I am "a proponent of"".

What's the difference between "a big proponent of" and "a big advocate of"?

While both phrases indicate strong support, "proponent" often implies someone who actively promotes an idea, while "advocate" suggests someone who publicly defends or pleads for it. They are largely interchangeable but "advocate of" emphasizes defending a cause.