big enough to arrest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big enough to arrest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing something that is sufficiently large or significant to warrant legal action or intervention. Example: "The evidence presented was big enough to arrest the suspect on multiple charges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The 10 heads of government had before them a report from Mr François-Xavier Ortoli, the economic affairs commissioner, which predicted a slight economic recovery during 1982 but not one big enough to arrest the growth of unemployment.What was needed, everyone agreed, was "a co-ordinated policy to promote investment and combat unemployment", which they described as becoming "intolerable".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not big enough to stop the traffic?

The Economist

It was big enough to contain a body.

The New York Times - Sports

And few have backyards big enough to hold it.

The New York Times

Big enough to hold 50 soldiers each.

Huffington Post

It should be big enough to hold the basil leaves.

WikiHow

Buy a purse big enough to contain a book.

WikiHow

Neither regarded him dangerous enough to arrest.

The New York Times

Get a big pot large enough to hold the skillet.

WikiHow

"Big enough to burst".

The New Yorker

Just big enough to satisfy anyone.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big enough to arrest", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific action or evidence justifies the potential arrest. For instance, specify the type and amount of evidence, the severity of the crime, or the specific circumstances that warrant apprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "big enough to arrest" in contexts where the justification for arrest is weak or ambiguous. Overstating the severity can undermine the credibility of your statement. If the situation merely raises suspicions, opt for milder language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big enough to arrest" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies an implied noun (like 'reason' or 'evidence'). It describes something possessing sufficient magnitude or gravity to justify legal apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big enough to arrest" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to describe a situation where the severity or evidence is sufficient to justify a legal arrest. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the gravity of a situation. While there aren't numerous instances of its usage, the existing examples from authoritative sources like The Economist and The New York Times affirm its appropriateness in describing circumstances warranting legal intervention. Remember to employ this phrase when the justification for arrest is genuinely substantial to avoid overstating the case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grounds for lawful arrest

Highlights the legality and justification for an arrest.

enough evidence for lawful detainment

Focuses on the evidence needed for a legal arrest.

reason for lawful detainment

Highlights the legality and justification for a detainment.

sufficient grounds for arrest

Focuses on the legal justification rather than the magnitude of the issue.

sufficient reason for custody

Emphasize the concept of arrest and imprisonment

adequate cause for apprehension

Replaces "arrest" with a synonym and "big" with "adequate", emphasizing the justification for taking someone into custody.

serious enough to warrant detention

Substitutes "arrest" with "detention", highlighting the severity of the situation that necessitates holding someone.

compelling reason for detainment

Emphasizes the strength of the reason for holding someone, replacing "arrest" with "detainment".

substantial justification for legal action

Broadens the scope from arrest to any legal action, emphasizing the strength of the justification.

substantial reason for prosecution

Shift to legal prosecution instead of a simple arrest

FAQs

How can I use "big enough to arrest" in a sentence?

Use "big enough to arrest" when you want to describe a situation where the evidence or the severity of an action is sufficient to warrant a legal arrest. For example, "The amount of fraud discovered was "big enough to arrest" the suspect immediately".

What are some alternatives to "big enough to arrest"?

Alternatives include "sufficient grounds for arrest", "adequate cause for apprehension", or "serious enough to warrant detention", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "big enough for arrest" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "big enough for arrest" is less idiomatic than ""big enough to arrest"". The inclusion of "to" creates a more natural phrasing in English, correctly indicating the purpose or result of something being "big enough".

What determines if something is "big enough to arrest"?

Whether something is considered ""big enough to arrest"" depends on legal standards and the severity of the offense. It typically requires sufficient evidence and a violation serious enough to justify taking someone into custody, often judged by law enforcement and legal professionals.