big clap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big clap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express enthusiasm or approval, often in a celebratory context, such as acknowledging someone's achievement. Example: "After her outstanding performance, the audience gave her a big clap to show their appreciation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Big clap.

The Guardian

Jeter watched the ball fly as he left the batter's box and gave a big clap as he rounded first base.

Huffington Post

Ex.: Pat "big", pat "booty" Clap "big", clap "booty" Pat Bigg", pat "booty" Two claps with no words Pat "oh", pat "yeah" Two claps with no words Pat "big", pat "booty"… and so forth.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, each hit (out or not), each walk (eventually out or not), and each base passed drove his teammates, coaches, and all of the parents (especially us) into big claps and cheers of support!

Huffington Post

September 10 , 2013John Higginson (@JohnHigginson) Biggest clap so far for question asking Miliband if he is 'for or against' austerity?

The Guardian

So make this Texas girl proud, and show the world how the stars at night are big and bright (clap, clap, clap, clap) deep in the heart of Texas.

TechCrunch

He seemed genuinely pleased to see me, and gave me a big hug, clapping my back heartily.

The New Yorker

And I was in front of a large group of highly professional people, most of whom are from either other countries or the United Nations, people that aren't big into clapping, applauding, smiling.

The Washington Post

But the track owes its forward momentum to two big hand claps that fall on the second and fourth beats, a flurry of strings, and Bootie Brown, from the Californian rap group the Pharcyde, who performs a long, fevered rap about being a "peace-lovin' decoy".

The New Yorker

But certainly at the time, the assembled crowd were on the side of Pollock, aka "Big Man", clapping him in a weirdly muted way, as though nobody was quite sure whether or not this was a joke that would come back and bite them.

The Guardian

So with Subeena out of the picture and Sabina off studying, it falls to Alis to carry on making music, which is what she's doing with her first single Twist the Rule, a curious, chorusless song that marries her smoky, half-sung vocal to soft cymbal splashes and big drum claps.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big clap" to convey genuine enthusiasm and approval for something that is not subtle or nuanced but instead is clearly impressive or well-received.

Common error

Avoid using "big clap" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "resounding applause" or "great ovation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big clap" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "clap". It represents a specific instance of applause, often emphasizing its intensity or enthusiasm, as shown in examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Wiki

33.33%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big clap" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an enthusiastic or significant instance of applause. While Ludwig confirms its correctness and identifies its use in contexts like News & Media and Wiki, its register leans towards neutral, making it potentially less suitable for highly formal settings. For such situations, alternatives like "loud applause" or "great ovation" are preferable. When aiming for genuine enthusiasm and a clearly impressive moment, "big clap" serves well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loud applause

Replaces "clap" with a more formal term, emphasizing the sound's intensity.

hearty applause

Emphasizes the sincerity and enthusiasm behind the applause.

enthusiastic applause

Highlights the spirited nature of the applause.

thunderous applause

Suggests a very loud and prolonged clapping.

resounding applause

Indicates that the applause echoes and fills the space.

great ovation

Replaces "clap" with "ovation", suggesting a more prolonged and enthusiastic display of approval.

big hand

A more colloquial way of referring to applause.

warm reception

Shifts the focus from the act of clapping to the overall welcoming response.

positive response

A broader term encompassing various forms of approval, not just clapping.

strong approval

Focuses on the sentiment rather than the physical act of applauding.

FAQs

What does "big clap" mean?

The phrase "big clap" refers to a significant or enthusiastic instance of applause, typically indicating strong approval or appreciation. It's often used to describe a loud or prolonged clapping sound.

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

You can use "big clap" to describe a moment of strong approval, such as "The audience gave the performer a "big clap" after the encore."

What are some alternatives to "big clap"?

Alternatives to "big clap" include "loud applause", "hearty applause", or "great ovation", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "big clap" appropriate for formal writing?

While "big clap" is understandable, it might be more suitable for informal contexts. For formal writing, consider using "resounding applause" or "enthusiastic applause" to maintain a professional tone.