big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe size, importance, or significance in various contexts. Example: "The big decision we have to make will impact the entire company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a big deal what happened and Jeremy, as any human being would, needs some time out".

The Guardian

"Something big is happening here.

The Guardian

This is an essential seminar for managers and leaders looking for a practical definition of big society and how it will work within local government.

The Guardian

He acknowledged that the no campaign needed to appeal to the heart as well as the head but argued the big question is what impact separation would have on family finances and whether Scottish people would be able to afford the NHS and pensions.

The Guardian

I hope Katie ends up running a big company - an ambition she revealed in last night's show.

The Guardian

The peer later denied that he had commercial interests in any domestic energy firms or in the big six energy companies.

The Guardian - Money

As well as a keynote speech from the government's adviser on big society, Lord Wei, delegates will also hear first hand accounts of how other local government managers are implementing big society in their councils and the best practice they have developed.

The Guardian

Is a big Labour win good for democracy?

The Guardian

"That's the big thing".

The New York Times - Health

That's a big difference.

The New York Times

It's too big.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big", consider the specific context. For physical size, alternatives like "large" or "huge" may be more appropriate. For importance, "significant" or "major" might be better choices.

Common error

Avoid using "big" as a catch-all term. Be specific and choose a word that accurately reflects the intended meaning, whether it's size, importance, or impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "big" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe size, importance, or intensity. As supported by Ludwig, the examples show that it is a versatile descriptor applicable in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "big" is a versatile adjective used to describe size, importance, or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms that "big" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While "big" is common, it's crucial to select the most precise word for the intended meaning, considering alternatives like "large", "significant", or "substantial". Remember, choosing the right descriptor enhances clarity and impact. Ludwig's examples from authoritative sources, together with the high expert rating, supports its wide applicability in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large

Indicates a greater size or extent, similar to "big".

huge

Conveys a sense of immense size, similar to "big".

immense

Suggests a vast or enormous size, similar to "big".

significant

Emphasizes importance or consequence, rather than physical size, similar to "big".

substantial

Implies considerable amount or size, similar to "big".

considerable

Highlights the degree or extent of something, similar to "big".

extensive

Refers to something that covers a large area or range, similar to "big".

massive

Suggests an exceptionally large size or scale, similar to "big".

major

Highlights importance or seriousness, similar to "big".

grand

Implies impressiveness or ambition, similar to "big".

FAQs

How can I use "big" in a sentence?

"Big" can describe size (a "big" house), importance (a "big" decision), or enthusiasm (I'm not "big" on that idea). The specific meaning depends on the context.

What's the difference between "big" and "large"?

While often interchangeable, "big" can sometimes imply importance or significance beyond just physical size, whereas "large" primarily refers to physical dimensions.

When is it better to use "significant" instead of "big"?

Use "significant" when you want to emphasize the importance or impact of something, rather than its physical size. For example, a "significant" achievement.

What are some alternative words for "big" to describe something important?

Alternatives include "important", "significant", "major", and "substantial". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.