big back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing someone or something that has a large back, often in reference to physical appearance or structure. Example: "The athlete had a big back, which contributed to his impressive strength and power during competitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Fowler's the big back.

The New York Times

Homophobia was big back then".

The New York Times

"Big back seat.

The New York Times - Arts

Big back yard.

The New Yorker

"The rivalry was big back then.

The New York Times - Sports

"Alstott is a big back with finesse.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

One big back-to-school item this year: uniforms.

The New York Times

Deron Williams and Kevin Durant converted big back-to-back dunks for the West in a second-quarter surge.

The New York Times

On Saturday, however, the big back-rower will find the rugby world on his doorstep.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a big back-catalogue of movies, musicals and operas based on Victor Hugo's Notre-Dame de Paris.

The Guardian

The newcomer made big back-catalogue deals with Frank Zappa and David Bowie because the majors weren't interested.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "big back" to convey a sense of physical presence or strength. In other contexts, consider more specific alternatives like "large back window" or "big back garden" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "big back" when a more precise term is needed. For instance, instead of saying "the car has a big back", specify "the car has a large trunk" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big back" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective + noun combination. It is used to characterize the size or prominence of a person's back, an object's rear, or a period in time, with Ludwig's examples showcasing diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big back" is a common and generally correct way to describe something or someone with a large back. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile, applicable in contexts ranging from describing physical attributes to spatial dimensions. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to consider the context and choose more precise terms when necessary, like "large trunk" instead of "big back" when referring to a car. Remember that while versatile, choosing more specific or formal terms may be required based on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad back

Emphasizes the width of the back rather than overall size.

wide back

Similar to 'broad back', highlighting lateral dimension.

large posterior

Focuses specifically on the size of the rear.

ample back

Indicates a generous size of the back.

sizeable back

A more formal way of indicating a large back.

substantial back

Implies a considerable or significant back.

muscular back

Highlights the muscle development in the back.

extensive back

Suggests a large area of the back.

imposing back

Highlights the impressive or dominating nature of the back.

heavyset back

Describes a back that is large and sturdy.

FAQs

How can I use "big back" in a sentence?

You can use "big back" to describe someone's physique, as in, "He's a "big back" with super vision" or an area, as in, "They live in a two-story white frame house with a "big back yard"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "big back"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "large posterior" to describe a physique or "large back window" for a car.

Is it correct to use "big back" to describe a person's physical build?

Yes, it's acceptable to use "big back" to describe someone's physique, especially in informal contexts. However, more formal or precise terms might be preferred in certain situations.

What does it mean when someone is described as having a "big back" in sports?

In sports, particularly football, a "big back" often refers to a running back who is large and strong, capable of breaking tackles and gaining tough yards.