a vast chunk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast chunk of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large portion or significant amount of something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The report revealed that a vast chunk of the budget was allocated to research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

World-wide, a vast chunk of the media is still owned or run by the state.

The Economist

A vast chunk of charred meat might get the juices going, but it's unlikely to win any beauty contests.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Either they don't have a vast chunk of data or they do and they are not publishing it," he said.

The Guardian

"This is my Rosetta stone," Dr. Alexander E. Gates was saying as he stood before a vast chunk of rock near Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

The New York Times

It has energized a vast chunk of the electorate around a rightwing politics perfectly engineered for our era of permanent economic crisis.

The Guardian

Mount Etna, the 10,922-foot-high active volcano that claims a vast chunk of the eastern side of Sicily, has a storied past.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But this vast chunk of Africa is a complicated place.

The Economist

Not to mention the vast chunk of money that goes to religious schools.

The Guardian - Opinion

If our economy has given us a housing bubble that locks most people out of home ownership, and a rental market that eats up vast chunks of our salaries for damp bedsits, why shouldn't we expect better?

The Guardian

Vast chunks of voters are being swayed by a kiss, a sigh, a roll of the eyes, a smirk, a befuddled stare.

The New York Times

Vain, macho, obsessed with the cult of personality, autocratic, with a soft spot for the ladies and an undisputed mastery of disinformation, he controls vast chunks of the economy of his country, where the boundaries between the running of the state and mafia-style organised crime and corruption seem, at times, dangerously confused.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast chunk of" when you want to emphasize the significant size or impact of a portion. For example, "A vast chunk of the company's resources was dedicated to research and development."

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a vast chunk of" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "a significant portion" or "a substantial amount" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast chunk of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a large portion or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing physical objects like "rock" or abstract concepts like "data" or "electorate".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vast chunk of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe a large portion or amount. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the size or significance of the part being discussed. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. Related phrases include "a significant portion of" and "a large segment of". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the desired tone and context, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion of

Focuses on the importance or consequence of the portion, rather than just the size.

a large segment of

Emphasizes that the whole can be divided in pieces and we are considering a substantial piece.

a considerable amount of

Shifts the emphasis to the quantity or degree of something.

a substantial fraction of

Suggests a calculated proportion, often used in more formal contexts.

a sizable piece of

Highlights the size and tangibility of the portion.

a major share of

Implies a division of something where one part holds the majority.

a good deal of

More informal, suggesting a notable quantity or extent.

a hefty portion of

Suggests that something is large and important.

a lion's share of

Indicates the biggest portion of something, often unfairly so.

the bulk of

Refers to the largest part or main body of something.

FAQs

What does "a vast chunk of" mean?

The phrase "a vast chunk of" refers to a large or significant portion of something. It emphasizes not just the size but also the impact or importance of that portion.

How can I use "a vast chunk of" in a sentence?

You can use "a vast chunk of" to describe a substantial part of something tangible or intangible. For example: "A vast chunk of the budget was allocated to marketing."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant portion of", "a large segment of", or "a considerable amount of" depending on the context.

Is "a vast chunk of" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "a vast chunk of" leans towards a more neutral or slightly informal register. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using alternatives like "a substantial portion of" or "a significant amount of".