a big tape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big tape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tape that is large in size, whether referring to a physical tape or a metaphorical concept. Example: "I found a big tape in the storage room that we can use for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I don't [study], I'm not a big tape guy.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was also a big tape-trading thing going on.

Vice

A moment later, the big tape machines come up to speed and Ross advises Mandel, "We're rolling". As the first take begins, Fair sits in the rear of the control room, listening intently.

Los Angeles Times

I looked up at the ceiling and thought about how my friends were sitting in an identical room on the other side of the wall, with surveillance headphones on and a big whirring tape reel in the background.

The New Yorker

A good idea is to cut a big rectangle, tape one side correctly, then cut off the excess and cut the rest.

WikiHow

"I do miss the big tape recorders and mixing desks".

Independent

"The computers were this high," he told me, holding his hand above shoulder height, "and I remember the big tape reels, and the huge diodes burning away.

The New Yorker

In the heydey of magnetic tape, large data centers had big tape libraries for offline storage; some of the largest might still exist (US Social Security Administration US Internal Revenue Servicee; the Mormon Genealogical Database -- these were on tape until recently and might still be).

Columbia University

Long before technology enabled each of us to cram our entire record collections into digital slivers the size of cigarette cases, there were essentially two ways of storing high-fidelity recordings: big tape and vinyl.

Huffington Post

Besides a new bigger tape format there were announcements from IBM and Red Hat on Object storage for legal compliance and scalability as well as software defined container-native storage supporting file, block and object interfaces.

Forbes

"We have identified 32 bars in our area," says Junior, pointing to red dots on a big map taped to the wall.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big tape", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical tape or a metaphorical concept like red tape. If necessary, add clarifying details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a big tape" when "extensive bureaucracy" or "cumbersome procedure" is a more appropriate and precise description of a situation involving excessive rules or regulations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big tape" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "tape". It describes a tape that is large in size or, metaphorically, something involving excessive regulation, much as Ludwig AI pointed out.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big tape" can refer to a physically large tape or, metaphorically, excessive bureaucracy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a large tape" for physical size and "extensive bureaucracy" for red tape. The phrase is found frequently in news and media, academic writing, and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large tape

Emphasizes the physical dimension of the tape being large.

a sizable tape

Highlights the substantial size of the tape.

a considerable tape

Focuses on the notable amount or length of the tape.

an extensive tape

Suggests the tape is long or comprehensive in content.

a substantial tape

Highlights the significance or amount of data on the tape.

a lengthy tape

Specifically refers to the duration or length of the tape.

a bulky tape

Implies the tape is large and unwieldy in size.

a massive tape

Emphasizes the very large size of the tape.

a huge tape

Similar to "massive", emphasizing the extreme size.

a giant tape

Indicates an exceptionally large tape.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big tape" to describe a physically large tape, such as "The old recording studio had "big tape recorders"". It can also be used metaphorically, like "Dealing with all that paperwork is "a big red tape"".

What are some alternatives to "a big tape"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a large tape" (if referring to physical size), "extensive bureaucracy" or "cumbersome procedure" (if referring to red tape).

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a big tape"?

It's appropriate when describing a physically large tape or, metaphorically, to refer to a significant amount of red tape or bureaucratic processes. Ensure the context makes your intended meaning clear.

Is "a big tape" the same as "red tape"?

While "a big tape" can sometimes refer to red tape, "red tape" specifically denotes excessive bureaucracy or complicated procedures. "A big tape" is broader and can also refer to the literal size of a tape.