a bigger depth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bigger depth" is not standard in written English; it is better to use "greater depth." You can use it when comparing the depth of two or more things, but "greater depth" is the preferred expression.
Example: "The new research provides a greater depth of understanding regarding the subject."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the end, light can penetrate a bigger depth of the algal biofilm.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are like many clubs, we are certainly on alert if something special turns up we will not turn it down, but we are not as well desperate because we have a big depth in our squad," the Frenchman said.

The Guardian - Sport

And a smaller aperture means bigger depth of field — less blur.

The New York Times

NIR radiation, compared to UV radiation, penetrates tissues in bigger depths but is also less harmful to the organism.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The Vigna Spano from Calo, another Apulia producer, is a bigger wine, with depth and a long finish.

The New York Times - Food

Optical glass BK7 is widely used in optical industries but the grinding process of it with aggressive machining parameters (e.g., fast infeed rate, big depth of cut) easily leads to subsurface damage (SSD).

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

So why don't big movies have big depth?

Huffington Post

"Chardonnay needs a bigger bowl for its depth of flavors and alcohol," Mr. Riedel said.

The New York Times

The higher current at the mask edges in the initial stage of the etching is reflected in a bigger nucleation and pore depth.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The ability to operate in the acoustic-resolution regime leads to a much bigger measurement depth and simplifies the implementation of the measurement.

Biomedical Optics Express

"I just never felt there was a bigger need for great in-depth journalism on health policy and to be a counterweight to all the spin and misinformation and vested interests that dominate the health care system," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While understandable, prefer using "greater depth" as it's more grammatically standard and widely accepted in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bigger" when "greater" is more appropriate for describing abstract concepts like depth of understanding or analysis. "Bigger" is often better suited for physical dimensions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a comparative adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent or degree of depth, often in relation to another object or situation. As noted by Ludwig, using "greater depth" is a more common and grammatically sound alternative.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bigger depth" is used to describe a greater extent or degree of depth. While understandable, it is less common and generally considered less grammatically sound than the alternative "a greater depth". Ludwig emphasizes this preference for "greater" in formal writing. The phrase appears across various contexts, including science and news media, but its frequency is rare. For formal writing, it's best to opt for the more standard "greater depth" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater depth

Uses the more standard comparative form "greater" instead of "bigger".

a larger depth

Substitutes "larger" for "bigger", maintaining a similar meaning but sounding slightly more formal.

a deeper level

Replaces "depth" with "level", shifting the focus slightly but keeping the sense of profundity.

an increased depth

Uses "increased" to indicate a growth in depth.

a more profound depth

Adds "profound" to emphasize the significance of the depth.

a considerable depth

Uses "considerable" to indicate substantial depth.

a significant depth

Highlights the importance of the depth.

a vast depth

Uses "vast" to emphasize the extensiveness of the depth.

an expanded depth

Suggests that the depth has been extended or widened.

a heightened depth

Focuses on an elevation or intensification of depth.

FAQs

Is "a bigger depth" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a bigger depth" isn't the most standard phrasing. "A greater depth" is generally preferred.

What's a more formal alternative to "a bigger depth"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a greater depth" or "an increased depth".

When is it acceptable to use "a bigger depth"?

"A bigger depth" is acceptable in informal contexts or when comparing physical dimensions, but "a greater depth" is safer for formal writing.

How does "a bigger depth" differ from "a deeper level"?

"A bigger depth" usually refers to a measurable physical or abstract extent, while "a deeper level" often suggests a more profound or advanced stage of understanding or involvement.