a hefty tome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hefty tome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, heavy book, often implying that it is substantial in content or size. Example: "After weeks of reading, I finally finished the hefty tome on ancient history that had been sitting on my shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A hefty tome comprehensively charting Foss's contribution to science fiction was published recently.

Independent

(Abrams Books) It's a hefty tome, more than 300 pages and shaped like a textbook, but inside are the handy, digestible tips with the accurate, familiar illustrations.

The New York Times

"New York in Color," a hefty tome spanning a century of Gotham in photographs, includes 200 images that represent a visual conversation about New York.

The New York Times

Revising and greatly expanding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM for short), they turned what had been a thin, spiral-bound handbook into a hefty tome.

Yale University

After spending so many hours squinting at a screen, trawling for information on the Internet, any excuse to pull a hefty tome off the shelf is a welcome relief.

The New Yorker

"New York in Color" is just that – a hefty tome spanning a century of Gotham in photographs, from hand-tinted postcards to tack-sharp and super-saturated digital shots.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The labor code -- a 2,700-page 2,700-page -- remains a serious brake on flexibility for employment.

Huffington Post

On Friday, Rudolph Giuliani, the former mayor and now a best-selling author of the hefty tome "Leadership," was scheduled for a two and a half hour appearance.

The New York Times

I saw it in a bookshop one day and picked up the hefty tome (more than 1,000 pages) with the intention of reading a paragraph or two of the first scene, which is set among some gossiping aunts at a wedding.

The Guardian

Developed in conjunction with VisitSweden, the country's tourism promotion office, and the airline SAS, the hefty tome isn't exactly a traditional guidebook -- but it does include some useful information for visitors looking for this particular version of Sweden.

HuffPost

Each is a hefty gilded tome, measuring over two feet across ­– four feet when unfolded.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hefty tome" when you want to convey not only the size of a book but also its substantial nature and the effort required to read it.

Common error

Avoid using "a hefty tome" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a big book" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hefty tome" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "hefty" modifies the noun "tome", indicating its size and weight. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing substantial books, often in academic or literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hefty tome" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a physically large and substantially informative book. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is considered correct, appearing most often in News & Media and Academic contexts. While alternatives exist such as "a large book" or "a weighty volume", "a hefty tome" carries a specific connotation of academic or literary weight. When using the phrase, consider your audience and context to ensure the appropriate level of formality. It is more suitable for formal or neutral communications. Avoid overuse in casual conversations to maintain the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weighty volume

Emphasizes the substantial nature and importance of the book.

a voluminous work

Highlights the large size and many pages.

a substantial book

Highlights the significant content and size.

a large book

Focuses on size, omitting the implication of weight or substance.

a massive publication

Stresses the large scale of the book.

an extensive treatise

Implies a formal and detailed examination of a subject.

an imposing book

Highlights the book's impressive and perhaps intimidating size.

a comprehensive guide

Suggests the book covers a topic thoroughly.

a brick of a book

An informal expression emphasizing the book's weight and size.

a doorstopper

An informal term for a very large book, often used humorously.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hefty tome" to describe a large, heavy book, often implying substantial content, as in, "The professor assigned "a hefty tome" on quantum physics for the semester."

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

You can use alternatives like "a large book", "a weighty volume", or "a substantial book" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a hefty tome" or "a heavy book"?

Both "a hefty tome" and "a heavy book" are grammatically correct. However, ""a hefty tome"" carries a connotation of significant content and academic weight, while "a heavy book" simply refers to physical weight.

What's the difference between "a hefty tome" and "a comprehensive guide"?

"A hefty tome" refers to a large and substantial book, while "a comprehensive guide" implies that the book provides thorough information on a particular subject. A tome can be comprehensive, but not all comprehensive guides are necessarily hefty.