big country

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big country" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a nation that has a large land area or significant geographical size. Example: "China is often referred to as a big country due to its vast territory and population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big Country, rock.

The New York Times

It's a big country!

The New York Times

Big country, big money.

The New Yorker

It is a big country.

The Economist

"But it's a big country".

The New Yorker

Brazil is a big country.

The New York Times

"Indonesia is a very big country.

The New York Times

This is a fairly big country".

The New York Times - Travel

"Tanzania is a big country.

The Guardian

America is a big country.

The Guardian - Sport

Canada is a big country.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "big country", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to geographical size, population, economic influence, or a combination of these factors. For example, specify "geographically big country" or "economically big country" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "big country" without specific context. Saying "it's a big country, so problems are expected" can be vague. Instead, specify what aspect of the country's size contributes to the problems, such as logistical challenges due to its area or diverse opinions due to its large population.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big country" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (country) with an adjective (big). Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, evidenced by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "big country" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a nation that is large in size, population, or influence. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's used across many contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's best practice to provide specific context when using the phrase to avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases like "large nation" or "vast land" can offer variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large nation

Replaces 'country' with 'nation' to focus on the political entity while maintaining the sense of size.

vast land

Emphasizes the geographical expanse of the country.

expansive nation

Uses 'expansive' to highlight the broad scope and reach of the country.

sizable territory

Focuses on the physical territory and its considerable size.

geographically large country

Explicitly states the geographical largeness of the country.

extensive landmass

Highlights the large mass of land comprising the country.

nation of great size

Formal rephrasing emphasizing magnitude.

a country with a large area

Descriptive and straightforward alternative.

sizeable nation

Using 'sizeable' indicates a considerable size, similar to 'large'.

nation with vast territory

Combination of 'nation' and 'vast territory' to convey size and scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "big country" to describe a nation with a large land area, like in the sentence, "Canada is a "big country" with diverse landscapes." It can also refer to influence or population.

What are some alternatives to saying "big country"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "large nation", "vast land", or "expansive nation" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language.

Is it correct to say "a big of country"?

No, the correct phrase is "big country." The inclusion of "of" is grammatically incorrect in this context. You might be thinking of phrases like "a bit of country", which have a different meaning.

What does it mean when someone calls a nation a "big country"?

Calling a nation a "big country" typically refers to its physical size or land area. However, it can also allude to its significant population, economic power, or overall global influence, depending on the context in which it's used.