a big slice of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big slice of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion or amount of something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "After the meeting, we all enjoyed a big slice of cake to celebrate our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

That's a big slice of the discretionary-spending pie.

The Economist

Mr. Millan takes a big slice of that same pie.

The New York Times

And energy bills, a big slice of costs, have risen everywhere.

The Economist

Will it enable Mr Ellison to help himself to a big slice of the industry's cake?

The Economist

The likes of Brazil would prefer a big slice of China's $2.7 trillion foreign reserves.

The New York Times

Taylor's Asian backers are looking for a big slice of the flat-panel TV market.

The Guardian - Tech

I was invited to join them and was passed a big slice of boar heart.

The Guardian - Travel

Laura tries to lure her honey out with a big slice of his favorite coconut pie.

The New York Times

Telephone companies give ITV a big slice of the cash that comes in from viewers' premium-rate phone calls.

The Economist

The pressure is clearest in fast-growing emerging markets, where people spend a big slice of their incomes on food.

The Economist

Because a mortgage is such a big slice of anyone's credit profile, it carries more weight than other loans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big slice of", ensure the context aligns with the figurative sense of dividing something, whether it's a budget, market share, or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a big slice of" in contexts where a literal division or physical slice is expected. For example, it's better to say "a large piece of land" rather than "a big slice of land" unless you're implying a metaphorical division.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big slice of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a determiner followed by a noun. It quantifies something, indicating a significant portion or share. Ludwig examples show it commonly used to describe portions of budgets, markets, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big slice of" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a significant portion or share, often in a figurative sense. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a division or allocation of something, whether tangible or abstract.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large portion of

Emphasizes size or quantity more directly than "slice".

a significant share of

Highlights the idea of ownership or allocation.

a substantial part of

Indicates a considerable amount, focusing on importance.

a sizable chunk of

Implies a rough or informal division of something.

a considerable fraction of

More formal and precise, suggesting a mathematical division.

a good percentage of

Focuses on the proportion relative to a whole.

a major segment of

Used when referring to a specific section or component.

a hefty amount of

Suggests a large and possibly burdensome quantity.

a large segment of

Refers to one of the parts into which a thing is or may be divided.

a generous helping of

Informal; used to describe food or something offered abundantly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big slice of" to describe a significant portion or share of something, for example: "The company dedicated "a big slice of" its budget to marketing."

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

Alternatives include "a large portion of", "a significant share of", or "a substantial part of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "a big slice of" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a significant portion of" or "a considerable fraction of" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a big slice of" and "a big chunk of"?

While similar, "a big slice of" implies a more deliberate division or allocation, whereas "a big chunk of" suggests a rough or informal separation.