a big time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big time of" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a significant period or event, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "We had a big time of fun at the festival." (This is awkward and unclear.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"The lights are on, it's a big time of year.

The New York Times

"We stepped back and said, 'This is a big time of uncertainty,' " he added.

The New York Times

"It's just a big time of year for us, and wet weather is not what we want," said David Wingard, a buyer for Paragon, an outfitter in Manhattan, referring to the city's recent warm, rainy days.

The New York Times

But, for less terrifying forms of fright and trickery, there still is Halloween, usually a big time of year at Realms of Enchantments, where Ms. Fiano sells brooms and incense, herbal potions and goddess figurines, scented candles and fairy T-shirts and the other accouterments of a healthy New Age or Wiccan lifestyle.

The New York Times

Over the last several years, December also has become a big time of focus in the premium segment because, typically, three brands are involved in a year-end horse race to see which can be the best-selling in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz has been the champion lately, but not long ago BMW and Lexus each held the crown.

Forbes

This is a big time of transition for many parents, and even more so for those who have always been very close to their children throughout their lives.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's pretty well known as this point that Apple executive Phil Schiller is a big time user of Instagram.

TechCrunch

It's a big time ahead of them in their test event to actually get in and be a part of Team GB.

BBC

A computer message by Koon described the King incident as a "big time" use of force.

Los Angeles Times

Well, that's lame and a big time waste of butthole.

Vice

These treatments require not only a big time commitment but, outside of clinical trials, may be expensive.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "a big time of", opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "an important period", "a significant phase", or "a challenging season" to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a big time of" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, identify the specific quality or characteristic of the time period you are describing (e.g., "a period of rapid growth", "a season of intense activity") to communicate your message more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big time of" functions as an attempt to define a period or event, but it lacks grammatical correctness and clarity. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically awkward. Examples show varying attempts to use it in context, but more precise alternatives are usually preferable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a big time of" appears in various contexts, it is grammatically awkward and lacks precision. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is not considered correct in formal English. Instead, opting for alternatives such as "an important period", "a significant phase", or specifying the nature of the time (e.g., "a busy season") ensures greater clarity and credibility. Though examples exist primarily in News & Media and Academia, authoritative usage is limited. Therefore, writers should exercise caution and choose more grammatically sound expressions to convey their intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant period for

Emphasizes the importance of the time period, rather than the quality of the experience during that time.

an important time for

Highlights the relevance and consequence of the period, shifting focus from personal enjoyment to broader implications.

a crucial period for

Stresses the decisiveness and critical nature of the time, often implying that outcomes are heavily influenced by this period.

a transformative time for

Suggests the time is marked by significant changes and developments, impacting future states.

a busy time of

Focuses on the high level of activity and demands during the specified period.

a hectic period for

Emphasizes the disorganization and stress associated with a particularly busy period.

a challenging time of

Highlights the difficulties and obstacles faced during a specific time frame.

a difficult period for

Focuses on the hardships and adversities experienced during the specified time.

an exciting time for

Highlights the positive anticipation and enthusiasm associated with a period.

a memorable period for

Suggests the time is noteworthy and likely to be remembered due to its significance or impact.

FAQs

What's grammatically wrong with the phrase "a big time of"?

The phrase "a big time of" is grammatically awkward and not idiomatic. It often lacks a clear connection to the noun or activity it's intended to describe, making the sentence unclear. Better alternatives include /s/significant+period or /s/important+phase.

How can I rephrase "a big time of year" to sound more natural?

Instead of "a big time of year", consider using phrases like "an /s/important+season", "a major holiday period", or "a significant time of year for [specific activity or industry]". These alternatives are more precise and grammatically correct.

Is it ever correct to use "a big time" without the "of"?

Yes, "a big time" (without "of") is commonly used to mean a good or enjoyable experience. For example, "We had a big time at the party". In this context, it's an idiom expressing enjoyment, not a description of a period.

What are some alternatives to "a big time of transition"?

Alternatives to "a big time of transition" include "a /s/significant+period+of+transition", "an important phase of change", or "a major transition period". These phrases provide more clarity and grammatical correctness.