big assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or bold statement that someone has made, often implying that it requires strong evidence or justification. Example: "The scientist made a big assertion about the effects of climate change on marine life, which sparked a heated debate among researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a big assertion but one that is backed up by current performance schedules.

The Guardian

While it certainly draws millions of TV viewers, a big assertion convincingly disproved is that staging the Olympics boosts tourism for the host nation".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Obama's language has allowed him to promise bold action without a big footprint, an assertion more complicated than it appears.

Los Angeles Times

For a book to hang together, it needs an assertion – a Big Idea.

The Guardian

The rhetoric of modern tiny-house living begins with the assertion that big houses, aside from being wasteful and environmentally noxious, are debtors' prisons.

The New Yorker

The ad's assertion that "big oil" is behind such attack ads is based on the fact that Americans for Prosperity receives some money from Charles and David Koch, who are oil billionaires.

The New York Times

In a 2011 article about the tiny-house movement, Alec Wilkinson explained its aims: The rhetoric of modern tiny-house living begins with the assertion that big houses, aside from being wasteful and environmentally noxious, are debtors' prisons.

The New Yorker

Brian W. Smith, a partner at the law firm Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw in Washington and a former general counsel at MasterCard, challenged the assertion that big banks meant worse deals for consumers.

The New York Times

In an interview, Mr. Altevogt called that assertion "a big lie," and added that such ads might become more common under the new law, as groups like his control a larger share of the advertising dollar than the political parties.

The New York Times

He doesn't feel comfortable with big schemes and grand assertions.

The Guardian - Opinion

My father, who had a military bent and was not a big proponent of self-assertion in his children, nevertheless allowed me my insistence on my own existence when it came to Ping-Pong — my killer instinct, my agonized howls after missing a big shot — and he would laugh appreciatively when I went all-out and hit a winning slam.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big assertion", ensure that the context provides sufficient support or evidence for the claim being made. Otherwise, it may be perceived as unfounded or exaggerated.

Common error

Avoid using "big assertion" without providing any supporting evidence or justification. This can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big assertion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "big" modifies the noun "assertion". It describes a claim or statement that is significant, bold, or impactful. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big assertion" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a significant, bold, or impactful statement. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid term, although not overly common. Its usage spans from news and media to scientific discussions, indicating its versatility. While appropriate for many contexts, writers should ensure sufficient evidence supports the "big assertion" to avoid undermining credibility. Alternatives such as "bold claim" or "major statement" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant assertion

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the declaration.

bold claim

Focuses on the audacity and potential risk associated with the statement.

important declaration

Stresses the relevance and impact of the announced statement.

major statement

Highlights the importance and impact of the declaration.

grand pronouncement

Emphasizes the formality and often public nature of the declaration.

strong declaration

Highlights the forcefulness and conviction behind the statement.

far-reaching claim

Highlights that the assertion could have broad and extensive effects.

sweeping statement

Suggests the assertion covers a broad range and may lack specific detail.

ambitious claim

Highlights the aspirational and potentially difficult-to-prove nature of the statement.

controversial statement

Indicates the assertion is likely to provoke disagreement or debate.

FAQs

How to use "big assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "big assertion" to describe a statement that is bold, significant, or controversial. For example: "The scientist made a "big assertion" about the impact of pollution on marine life".

What can I say instead of "big assertion"?

You can use alternatives like "bold claim", "major statement", or "grand pronouncement" depending on the context.

Is "big assertion" formal or informal?

"Big assertion" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and formal reports. However, consider using a more formal alternative like "significant assertion" in highly formal settings.

What makes an assertion "big"?

An assertion is considered "big" when it is significant in scope, impact, or potential consequences. It often challenges conventional wisdom or requires substantial evidence to support it.