a large city

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large city" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the size of a city in comparison to others or in general discussions about urban areas. Example: "New York is often considered a large city due to its significant population and vast metropolitan area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've seen Detroit as a large city.

The Guardian

Pune is a large city in Western Maharashtra.

Habitat International

Competition works most efficiently in a large city.

Independent

• Dear Workologist: I work for a large city agency.

The New York Times

"No, on a sightseeing boat in a large city".

The New Yorker

"As a large city, Hamburg is truly at risk.

The Guardian

Even a large city like Toulon has been won.

The New York Times

New York is a large city with the majority of its greenery confined to parks.

Columbia University

Ekman told me about his daughter, a social worker at a large city hospital.

University of California, Berkeley

"There is a large city" — Dayr az Zawr — "fifty kilometres away.

The New Yorker

There are plans for a branch in Mazar-e-Sharif, a large city in the north.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a large city", ensure that the context provides relevant information about its specific characteristics, such as population, area, or economic significance, to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a large city" without providing any specific details or context. Generic statements lack impact. Instead, mention specific features or comparisons to make your writing more engaging and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large city" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an indefinite noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large city" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe urban areas of significant size. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a noun phrase and is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While it's appropriate for various settings, providing specific details about the city's characteristics can enhance the impact of your writing. Alternatives include "a major urban center" or "a sprawling metropolis", depending on the desired tone and nuance. Remember to avoid overgeneralizations by giving specific context. High-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently use the phrase, solidifying its status as a reliable and versatile expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a big urban area

Replaces "large" with "big".

a metropolitan city

Uses "metropolitan" to indicate a large and influential city.

a major urban center

Replaces "city" with a broader term "urban center" and uses "major" to convey the large size.

a populous city

Replaces "large" with "populous", focusing on the size of the population.

a sprawling metropolis

"Sprawling" emphasizes the extensive geographical area, and "metropolis" implies a significant and busy city.

a city with a large population

Focuses on population to convey size.

a significant urban area

Uses "significant" to highlight the importance and size of the urban area.

a highly developed urban center

Highlights the development aspect along with its urban nature.

a densely populated city

Focuses on the high population density, a common characteristic of large cities.

an expansive urban landscape

Emphasizes the vastness of the urban area.

FAQs

How can I use "a large city" in a sentence?

You can use "a large city" to describe the setting of a story, the location of a business, or a place you have visited. For instance, "She moved to "a large city" to pursue her career".

What are some alternatives to "a large city"?

Alternatives include "a major urban center", "a sprawling metropolis", or "a significant urban area". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a big city" or "a large city"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a large city" is generally considered more formal than "a big city". The best choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

What makes a city qualify as "a large city"?

A city typically qualifies as "a large city" based on its population size, geographical area, economic influence, and infrastructure. These factors vary depending on the regional and national context.