a good chunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good chunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion or amount of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I spent a good chunk of my weekend working on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And a good chunk of "The Wire".

The New Yorker

A good chunk of Bristol is booming.

The Guardian

That's a good chunk of a day.

The New York Times - Arts

He spends a good chunk of Clint Eastwood's film "J.

The New York Times

That was a good chunk of "Treme," Season 1.

The New Yorker

We already cover a good chunk of the curriculum".

Independent

Ordinarily, you'd pay a good chunk of that in taxes.

The New Yorker

No doubt $50 is a good chunk of change.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They also bequeathed a "good chunk" of their estate.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not all, but it's a good chunk".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A good chunk of that land would need to come from Maine.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good chunk" when you want to convey that a considerable but not precisely defined amount of something is involved. It's suitable for situations where exact figures are not necessary or available.

Common error

While "a good chunk" is widely understood, it may be too informal for academic papers or formal business reports. Opt for more precise or formal alternatives like "a substantial portion" or "a significant amount" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good chunk" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a substantial, though imprecise, quantity or portion. It adds emphasis to the size of the portion being described, similar to what Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "a good chunk" is a versatile phrase used to describe a significant portion or amount of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it leans towards the neutral to informal side. While its frequent appearance in news and media outlets underscores its broad appeal, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "a substantial portion" in academic or professional settings. The provided examples illustrate its common usage, confirming its place as a widely understood and accepted idiom. Because of its frequent use, it is valuable to know its function, purpose and how to use it correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial portion

Emphasizes the considerable size or amount of the portion.

a significant amount

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity.

a considerable part

Similar to "a substantial portion", stressing the largeness of the part.

a sizable piece

Implies a large or noteworthy fragment.

a fair amount

Suggests a reasonable or acceptable quantity.

a large segment

Focuses on a specific section or division that is considerable in size.

a good proportion

Indicates a balanced and noteworthy ratio or percentage.

a decent quantity

Implies a satisfactory or sufficient amount.

a large share

Focuses on the allocation or division of something in a significant way.

a major segment

Emphasizes a key or principal section that is substantial in size.

FAQs

How can I use "a good chunk" in a sentence?

Use "a good chunk" to describe a sizable portion of something. For example, "I spent "a good chunk" of my vacation reading."

What phrases are similar to "a good chunk"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "a good chunk" in formal writing?

While "a good chunk" is acceptable in many contexts, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise or formal alternatives in those situations.

What is the difference between "a good chunk" and "a large quantity"?

"A good chunk" typically refers to a portion or segment of something, while "a large quantity" refers to a great amount of something. The former is often used when discussing parts of a whole, while the latter emphasizes the overall amount.