a fair chunk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair chunk of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant or notable amount of something. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the subject being referenced. Example sentence: "I had to give up a fair chunk of my day to attend the meeting." (negative context) Example sentence: "She received a fair chunk of the profits from the successful sale." (positive context).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He would have lost a fair chunk of change.

The Washington Post

A fair chunk of this was splurged on just two players.

The Economist

To print the composition's full title would take up a fair chunk of this column.

The New York Times - Arts

In addition, the Bundesliga's high attendances tend to bring in a fair chunk of the money.

The New York Times

I'm very proud of the fact that we have paid off a fair chunk of debt.

The New York Times - Sports

"A fair chunk of people have just had enough," says Mokrzycki.

The Guardian - Sport

Between them, they cover a fair chunk of the global consumer marketplace.

The Guardian - Tech

The UK, with its ageing population, would need to absorb a fair chunk of that total.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can be sure that the yellow boot accounted for a fair chunk of that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a fair chunk of my brain saying it was something else entirely.

The Guardian - Sport

In a country of 32 million people, this sub-economy was a fair chunk of change.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fair chunk of" when you want to indicate a significant but not precisely defined portion of something. It's suitable when the exact quantity isn't critical, but the impact or relevance of the portion is.

Common error

While "a fair chunk of" is generally acceptable, consider using more precise or formal language in academic or business contexts. Alternatives like "a significant portion" or "a considerable amount" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair chunk of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a considerable, though not precisely defined, quantity or portion. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair chunk of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant portion or amount, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's essential to consider the level of formality required for specific writing situations and choose more precise alternatives when necessary. Understanding its function as a quantifier and its communicative purpose of indicating substantial quantity enables effective and clear communication. Overall, the examples from Ludwig show that it's a handy idiom for everyday and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount of

Emphasizes the substantial quantity, focusing on the amount's size or importance.

a significant portion of

Highlights the importance or impact of the part being referred to.

a sizable piece of

Implies the part is large, focusing on physical size or extent.

a good portion of

A more informal way of indicating a substantial part.

a large segment of

Suggests that the amount is a component of a larger entity.

a substantial fraction of

Highlights that quantity constitutes a notable ratio or percentage.

a decent share of

Emphasizes that it's more than an adequate portion.

a respectable quantity of

Implies that quantity is worthy of respect.

a noteworthy segment of

Highlights that portion of something is important or deserving of attention.

a healthy slice of

More informal usage conveying a satisfying amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a fair chunk of" in a sentence?

You can use "a fair chunk of" to indicate a significant portion or amount. For example, "I spent "a fair chunk of time" working on this project", or "A fair chunk of the money went to charity".

What are some alternatives to "a fair chunk of"?

Alternatives include "a considerable amount of", "a significant portion of", or "a good portion of". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "a fair chunk of" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a fair chunk of" leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "a significant amount of" or "a substantial portion of" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a fair chunk of" and "a fair bit of"?

Both phrases indicate a significant quantity, but "a fair bit of" is generally used for uncountable nouns (like time or effort), while "a fair chunk of" can be used for both countable and uncountable nouns.