a major firm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major firm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or influential company within a particular industry or sector. Example: "The merger between a major firm and a startup has created a buzz in the tech community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

That had never before happened to a major firm.

The New York Times

"I have two sons myself, and one is an intern at a major firm.

The New York Times

Asked whether Nasdaq was trying to protect a major firm, Mr. Knight responded: "Of course not.

The New York Times

But it was important precisely because the fund was not a major firm.

The New York Times

"There's a different feeling in the air," said Mr. Lat, a Yale Law-educated former associate at a major firm.

The New York Times

The collapse of a major firm in the market could set off a chain of problems, a fact that has scared the Treasury Department this year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

After the attack on the World Trade Center, the trend has "fast-forwarded," she said, to a point where rates are now undergoing a "major firming" and some buildings could soon see their insurance premiums double.

The New York Times

To fund that costly effort, the firm will need to partner with a major pharmaceutical firm; the same goes for a rival, Diversa.

Forbes

The survey was conducted late last year by Ipsos, a market research firm, on behalf of Ernst & Young, a major accounting firm.

The New York Times

"When I came to Weil, no other major firm had a bankruptcy practice," he said.

The New York Times

Because the foreign offices of a major accounting firm are relatively independent, groups of partners have sometimes switched firms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major firm", consider whether the specific size, influence, or reputation of the company is relevant to your point. If so, this phrase is appropriate. If not, a more general term like "company" may suffice.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a major firm" with other vague descriptors (e.g., "a very successful major firm"). Instead, focus on specific achievements or attributes that make the firm significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major firm" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a company of considerable size, influence, or importance, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major firm" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a company of considerable size, influence, and significance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its suitability for various contexts, particularly news and media, and formal business settings. While alternatives like ""a leading corporation"" or ""a prominent company"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it is paired with specific attributes rather than vague descriptors, and consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the company's importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading corporation

This alternative emphasizes the company's position at the forefront of its industry.

a prominent company

This phrase highlights the company's visibility and recognition.

a large enterprise

This alternative focuses on the scale and scope of the company's operations.

a significant player

This phrase emphasizes the company's influence and impact within its sector.

a top-tier organization

This alternative suggests the company is among the best in its field.

an influential business

This highlights the firm's power to affect its industry and beyond.

a substantial corporation

Emphasizes the firm's considerable assets and resources.

an established institution

Focuses on the firm's long-standing presence and stability.

a powerhouse company

This alternative conveys the company's strength and dominance.

a dominant force

This highlights the firm's overwhelming influence and market share.

FAQs

How can I use "a major firm" in a sentence?

You can use "a major firm" to refer to a company that is significant in size, influence, or reputation within its industry. For example, "She secured a position at "a major firm" after graduation".

What are some alternatives to "a major firm"?

Some alternatives include "a leading corporation", "a prominent company", or "a large enterprise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a major firm" or "a large company"?

"A major firm" implies not only size but also influence and significance, while "a large company" simply refers to size. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning. For example, "a large company" might be appropriate if discussing employee numbers, whereas "a major firm" may be more fitting when discussing market impact.

What characteristics define "a major firm"?

Characteristics of "a major firm" typically include significant revenue, a large number of employees, a strong market presence, and substantial influence within its industry.