a large affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occasion that is significant in size or importance. Example: "The wedding was a large affair, with hundreds of guests in attendance and elaborate decorations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When I attended workshops in the UK, they were usually held in a nice hotel (eg Hilton or Marriott) and lunch would be a large affair, and there would be tea, coffee and biscuits at several points throughout the day.

The Guardian

The party was a large affair, held in a private room of the Russian Tea Room in Midtown, celebrating the career of the outgoing commissioner of the Administration for Children's Services, Nicholas Scoppetta.

The New York Times

The wedding was a large affair, with most of the royal families of Europe attending, including Queen Victoria, the Empress Frederick, Kaiser Wilhelm II and the Prince of Wales.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The 2006 renovation was a larger affair, and was paid for by an anonymous donor.

Wikipedia

Connecting with friends is one thing, while managing customer service, marketing, consumer experiences, research and development, community management and more through social media is a larger affair.

Huffington Post

The Thursday night market (slocountyfarmers.org) is a large, rowdy affair, with students, bands and cyclists clogging the streets.

The Guardian - Travel

During an interview at his apartment in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn — a large Wonkaesque affair furnished with vintage couches, plank-and-cinder-block bookcases and a different color of paint on each wall — he recalled commuting to Manhattan once a month to perform with the State after transferring to Brown his sophomore year.

The New York Times - Arts

The other Spygate was a much larger affair.

The Guardian - Sport

Today, as they make up six of the top ten companies in the world on the Forbes 2000 list, banking is a somewhat larger affair.

Forbes

Over the years, the gathering of less than 50 dedicated enthusiasts has turned into a much larger affair, now called Green Pride.

Vice

It was also likely that PM no longer needed INFOTAB; according to BAT, PM had built up a large public affairs department that included two major information centers based in the US and Europe [ 185].

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large affair" to describe events that are not just big, but also have a certain level of formality or significance. Consider the connotations of "affair" when choosing this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "affair" to describe simple, everyday events. It's generally more appropriate for events with a certain degree of importance or complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large affair" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing events or situations of considerable size or importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large affair" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe events or situations of considerable size or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not extremely common, the phrase appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science, but is typically more suited for formal or semi-formal occasions. Alternative phrases like "a grand event" or "a major undertaking" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental event

Highlights the historical significance and grand scale.

a grand event

Emphasizes the impressiveness and scale of the event.

an elaborate occasion

Stresses the detailed planning and formality of the event.

a significant undertaking

Highlights the importance and impact of the endeavor.

a major undertaking

Focuses on the significant effort and resources involved.

a considerable project

Emphasizes the size and scope of the project.

an extensive operation

Highlights the complexity and coordination required.

a noteworthy celebration

Focuses on the celebratory aspect and its importance.

a big production

Suggests a carefully staged or elaborate event.

a complex situation

Shifts the focus to a complicated set of circumstances.

FAQs

What does "a large affair" mean?

The phrase "a large affair" refers to an event, occasion, or undertaking that is significant in size, scope, or importance. It often implies considerable planning, resources, or formality.

What can I say instead of "a large affair"?

You can use alternatives like "a grand event", "a major undertaking", or "an elaborate occasion" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a large affair" in all contexts?

No, "a large affair" is generally more suited to formal or semi-formal contexts. For everyday or casual situations, simpler terms like "a big event" might be more appropriate.

How do I use "a large affair" in a sentence?

You can use it as in: "The wedding was "a large affair", with hundreds of guests and elaborate decorations", or "Organizing the conference was "a large affair", requiring months of preparation."