a sizeable chunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sizeable chunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion or amount of something, often in a quantitative context. Example: "The project required a sizeable chunk of our budget, which we had to allocate carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poker financed a sizeable chunk of Microsoft's start-up costs.

The Economist

A sizeable chunk of the $13bn relates to customer redress.

The Guardian - Business

A sizeable chunk of Holick's cases fall into this category.

The New Yorker

A sizeable chunk of that increase was expected to come from financial services.

The Economist

A sizeable chunk of the world is only just emerging from recession.

The Economist

But these investors often stump up a sizeable chunk of capital.

The Economist

And for that, a sizeable chunk of the West Midlands is grateful.

Independent

A sizeable chunk of the population received compensation, including the families of some very famous Britons.

The Guardian

A sizeable chunk of the summer budget has been spent on Leonardo Ulloa.

The Guardian - Sport

In between, he passes his time antagonising a sizeable chunk of the world's population.

The Guardian - Books

The warrior was flattened and a sizeable chunk of his health was removed.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sizeable chunk" when you want to emphasize that a significant part of something is being considered, without needing to specify an exact quantity. It's particularly effective when the precise amount isn't known or isn't the primary focus.

Common error

While "a sizeable chunk" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise language like "a substantial portion" or "a significant amount" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizeable chunk" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It quantifies an unspecified but considerable portion of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a standard English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sizeable chunk" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant portion or amount of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is correct and usable in written English. Its versatility allows it to be employed across diverse contexts, although it is most frequently encountered in News & Media. While generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "a substantial portion" in highly formal writing. The phrase's meaning is consistently understood, denoting a notable quantity without requiring precise measurement. Remember that while highly common, especially in news contexts, that overuse in formal writing can reduce the writer's credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sizable portion

A direct synonym, simply replacing 'chunk' with 'portion'.

a substantial portion

Emphasizes the significant size and importance of the portion.

a significant amount

Focuses on the quantity and its impact.

a considerable quantity

Highlights the largeness of the amount.

a large segment

Implies the portion is a part of a larger whole.

a good deal

More informal, suggesting a notable quantity.

a major share

Emphasizes the dominance of the portion.

a notable fraction

Highlights the portion as a fraction of the total.

a respectable amount

Implies the amount is worthy of respect or consideration.

a hefty piece

Suggests the portion is weighty or substantial.

FAQs

How can I use "a sizeable chunk" in a sentence?

You can use "a sizeable chunk" to describe a significant portion or amount of something. For example, "A sizeable chunk of our budget is allocated to research and development".

What can I say instead of "a sizeable chunk"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial portion", "a significant amount", or "a considerable quantity depending on the context.

Is "a sizeable chunk" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a sizeable chunk" might be considered too informal for certain academic or business contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "a substantial portion" or "a significant amount" in those situations.

What's the difference between "a large chunk" and "a sizeable chunk"?

While similar, "a sizeable chunk" often implies a portion that is not only large but also significant in terms of its impact or importance. "A large chunk" simply emphasizes the physical size.