be big enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be big enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing size, capacity, or the ability to accommodate something or someone. Example: "The box needs to be big enough to hold all the supplies for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Garden wouldn't be big enough.

The New Yorker

What would be big enough?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'll be big enough," Widmark replied.

The Guardian - Film

Still, it may not be big enough.

The New York Times

But will it be big enough?

The Guardian - Opinion

You've got to be big enough to handle that.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I guess it wouldn't be big enough for you".

The New York Times

These objections could be big enough to kill the deal.

The Economist

But these may not be big enough to matter.

The Economist

You have to be big enough not to react.

The Guardian - Sport

"The occasion itself should be big enough to motivate anyone.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be big enough", ensure the context clearly defines what needs to be accommodated. For example, "The room needs to "be big enough" to hold all the guests" clarifies the requirement.

Common error

Avoid using "be big enough" without specifying what it needs to accommodate. Ambiguous statements like "It needs to "be big enough"" lack clarity and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be big enough" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something possesses the necessary or adequate size, capacity, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be big enough" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express a size or capacity requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate in many contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what needs to be accommodated to avoid ambiguity. While it's widely accepted, consider more formal alternatives like "be sufficiently large" in professional or academic settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its use across diverse areas, from urban planning to personal responsibility. Overall, it’s a straightforward way to communicate the necessity of adequate size.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be large enough

Replaces "big" with "large", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

be sufficiently large

Uses "sufficiently" to emphasize the adequacy of the size.

be ample in size

Replaces "big" with "ample", indicating a generous size.

be adequate

Focuses on the adequacy of the size or capacity, without specifying "big".

be capacious enough

Uses "capacious" to highlight the capacity to hold or contain.

be substantial enough

Emphasizes the considerable size or amount.

be of sufficient scale

Replaces "big" with "of sufficient scale", indicating appropriate proportions.

be extensive enough

Highlights the extent or reach of something being considered.

be broad enough

Suggests the width or scope is adequate.

be roomy enough

Focuses on the spaciousness and comfort of the size.

FAQs

How can I use "be big enough" in a sentence?

You can use "be big enough" to describe the required size or capacity of something. For example, "The container must "be big enough" to hold all the liquid" or "Do I have to "be old enough" to vote?"

What are some alternatives to "be big enough"?

Alternatives include "be large enough", "be sufficiently large", or "be ample in size" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be big enough" or should I use another phrase?

"Be big enough" is a correct and commonly used phrase. The appropriateness depends on the specific context and desired tone. More formal alternatives might include "be sufficiently large".

What does it mean when something needs to "be big enough"?

When something needs to "be big enough", it means it must have the necessary size or capacity to fulfill a specific requirement or purpose. The required size depends on what needs to be accommodated.