a hefty dose of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hefty dose of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is used to describe something that is large in quantity, usually implying a large amount or a large portion. For example, "She gave him a hefty dose of praise for his hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sorry, this is a hefty dose of baloney.

Harvard University

This year, it's caught a hefty dose of the funk.

The Guardian - Music

They require a hefty dose of government intervention to succeed.

The Guardian

There's a hefty dose of low-rent Victor Frankenstein, too.

The New York Times - Arts

One feels a hefty dose of reality is about to hit the Tigers.

The Guardian - Sport

It is also a game, of course, that naturally comes with a hefty dose of physicality.

The Guardian - Sport

But it has a surprise ingredient, a hefty dose of mustard.

The New York Times - Food

Think elementary school science fair projects, with a hefty dose of practical application.

The New York Times

This week's build-up in Munich will now come with a hefty dose of trepidation.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Using good extra virgin oil, along with a hefty dose of salt, was a brilliant twist.

The New York Times - Food

Legumes (pronounced leg-yooms) offer a hefty dose of soluble fiber per serving.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hefty dose of" when you want to emphasize a large or significant amount of something, often implying it's more than what is usually expected. For example, use it to describe a large amount of effort, criticism, or medication.

Common error

While acceptable in many settings, avoid using "a hefty dose of" too frequently in very informal or casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of" or "plenty of" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty dose of" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a substantial amount. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is perfectly acceptable and commonly used in written English. Examples show it preceding various nouns, such as reality, physicality, and sugar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty dose of" is a commonly used phrase to describe a large quantity or significant amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it functions as a quantifier, adding emphasis to the magnitude of the described element. While versatile, it's best to consider the tone and audience when choosing alternatives for very informal or highly formal settings. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post, showcasing its widespread use in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial amount of

Emphasizes the considerable quantity of something, focusing on its size or importance.

a significant quantity of

Highlights the importance of the quantity, suggesting it's more than just a trivial amount.

a considerable measure of

Implies careful consideration of the amount, suggesting it is noteworthy.

a generous helping of

Suggests abundance and giving, often used in contexts related to food or kindness.

a large measure of

Indicates a significant degree or extent of something, often used with abstract nouns.

a plentiful supply of

Highlights the abundance and availability of something, often related to resources.

an ample quantity of

Emphasizes the sufficiency and abundance of something, suggesting it's more than enough.

a goodly portion of

Suggests a fair and substantial amount of something, often used in a positive or approving way.

a liberal sprinkling of

Emphasizes a generous and unrestrained application of something, often used in cooking or abstract contexts.

an inordinate amount of

Highlights the excessive or disproportionate nature of the amount, often used in a negative context.

FAQs

How can I use "a hefty dose of" in a sentence?

You can use "a hefty dose of" to indicate a large quantity or amount of something. For example, "The movie required "a hefty dose of suspense" to keep viewers engaged".

What are some alternatives to "a hefty dose of"?

Alternatives include "a substantial amount of", "a significant quantity of", or "a considerable measure of", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a hefty dose of" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a hefty dose of" is generally appropriate for formal writing, although it can be replaced with more formal alternatives like "a significant amount of" or "a considerable quantity of" if a more serious tone is desired.

What's the difference between "a hefty dose of" and "a large dose of"?

While similar, "a hefty dose of" often implies that the amount is surprisingly or unexpectedly large, whereas "a large dose of" simply indicates a significant quantity. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.