a hefty hug

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hefty hug" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a warm, strong, and affectionate embrace, often conveying a sense of comfort or support. Example: "After a long day, she welcomed him with a hefty hug that made all her worries fade away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Wearing a dozen beaded bracelets and carrying a Minnie Mouse purse, she greeted me (a stranger) with a hefty hug.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As I experienced this year's family interactions, laughter and hefty hugs, I could not help but smile, because I knew that our ancestors were with us and their prayers were in the process of being answered.

Huffington Post

A hefty offer arrived.

The New York Times

A hefty percentage got lost.

The New Yorker

And a hefty fine.

The New York Times

Perversely, it does suggest a Hefty bag.

The New York Times

But that is still a hefty whack.

The Economist

Tickets cost a hefty 83 cents each.

The New York Times - Arts

But it comes at a hefty price.

The New York Times

But he extracted a hefty price.

The New York Times

And that with a hefty spandex percentage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hefty hug" to describe an embrace that is not only physically strong but also emotionally significant, conveying warmth and support.

Common error

While "hefty" suggests substantiality, avoid using it excessively in overly casual contexts where simpler adjectives like "big" or "warm" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty hug" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "hefty" modifies the noun "hug", adding emphasis to the intensity and warmth of the embrace. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty hug" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong and warm embrace. While less common than alternatives like "a big hug" or "a warm embrace", it effectively conveys a sense of heartfelt affection. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity, with usage primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the context and avoid overusing "hefty" in excessively formal situations. Remember that choosing the most suitable phrase depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a big hug

Replaces "hefty" with "big", focusing on the size and intensity of the hug.

a warm embrace

Substitutes "hug" with "embrace" and "hefty" with "warm", highlighting the affectionate nature of the gesture.

a strong embrace

Replaces "hug" with "embrace" and "hefty" with "strong", emphasizing the physical intensity of the embrace.

an affectionate hug

Replaces "hefty" with "affectionate", highlighting the loving and caring nature of the hug.

a hearty hug

Substitutes "hefty" with "hearty", suggesting a sincere and enthusiastic embrace.

a tender embrace

Replaces "hug" with "embrace" and "hefty" with "tender", softening the tone and focusing on gentleness.

a comforting hug

Replaces "hefty" with "comforting", emphasizing the hug's ability to provide solace.

a long embrace

Replaces "hug" with "embrace" and "hefty" with "long", focusing on the duration of the embrace.

an intense hug

Replaces "hefty" with "intense", emphasizing the emotional charge of the hug.

a meaningful hug

Replaces "hefty" with "meaningful", focusing on the hug's significance and emotional depth.

FAQs

What does "a hefty hug" mean?

The phrase "a hefty hug" refers to a hug that is given with considerable enthusiasm or strength. It suggests that the hug is more than just a casual embrace, implying warmth and affection.

What can I say instead of "a hefty hug"?

You can use alternatives like "a big hug", "a warm embrace", or "a strong embrace" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a hefty hug" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a hefty hug" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "a warm greeting" or "a heartfelt embrace".

How can I use "a hefty hug" in a sentence?

You can use "a hefty hug" to describe an embrace that is both physically substantial and emotionally meaningful. For example: "After a long day, she welcomed him with "a hefty hug" that made all her worries fade away."