big hunk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big hunk of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large piece or amount of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "She served a big hunk of chocolate cake at the party, and everyone loved it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

General Description

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep a big hunk of it.

The New York Times

Vassilenas isn't too buttoned up to throw a big hunk of meat at you.

The New York Times - Travel

And much of the Times in those days, in the A Times, was a big hunk of advertising.

Cornell University

TOM BRANSON Lady Crawley appears to have choked to death on a big hunk of meat.

The New Yorker

But that breezy simplicity is a big hunk of its charm.

The New York Times

"You don't want a big hunk of sage leaf in your mouth.

The New York Times - Food

I came home and you were, like, gnawing on a big hunk of baker's chocolate.

The New Yorker

But now people just go out when they're hungry and buy a big hunk of meat".

The Guardian

As video files, the advertisements took up a big hunk of bandwidth.

The New York Times

She played roadhouse shuffles and slow-drag blues, along with "A Big Hunk of Love," the Elvis Presley hit.

The New York Times - Arts

I'd impress my wife with a big hunk of roast beef, roast potatoes and creamed leeks, or a big hunk of roast pork with lots of crackling, apple sauce and bread sauce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big hunk of" in informal contexts to describe sizable portions of tangible items like food, rock, or metal. Be mindful of your audience, given this expression may not be appropriate for professional content.

Common error

Avoid using "big hunk of" in formal or professional writing. Opt for alternatives such as "large piece of" or "substantial amount of" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big hunk of" functions as a modifier, specifically a descriptive phrase, that quantifies and characterizes a noun. It usually highlights the notable size or volume of the modified noun. According to Ludwig, this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Food

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big hunk of" is a common and correct descriptive phrase used to emphasize the size or quantity of something, primarily in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media and food-related content. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, opting for more professional alternatives like "large piece of" or "substantial amount of" to maintain a suitable tone. The phrase's informal register makes it ideal for casual conversation and descriptive scenarios where precision isn't paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

big chunk of

Synonymous, differing only in word choice.

large piece of

More formal and neutral, suitable for a wider range of contexts.

substantial chunk of

Similar in meaning, but implies a more rough or uneven piece.

sizable portion of

Emphasizes the amount or share of something.

significant segment of

Implies a part of a larger whole or group.

considerable amount of

Focuses on quantity rather than physical form.

hefty slice of

Suitable for describing something that's been cut.

generous helping of

Suggests a large serving, especially of food.

whopping great piece of

More emphatic and informal, adding a sense of impressiveness.

massive segment of

Emphasizes scale and magnitude

FAQs

What does "big hunk of" mean?

The phrase "big hunk of" describes a sizable or substantial piece or portion of something, often used informally.

What can I say instead of "big hunk of"?

You can use alternatives like "large piece of", "substantial chunk of", or "sizable portion of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "big hunk of" in formal writing?

No, "big hunk of" is generally considered informal. Use more formal alternatives like "significant amount of" or "considerable portion" in professional contexts.

How to use "big hunk of" in a sentence?

You can use "big hunk of" to describe a large, tangible item: "He ate a big hunk of cheese". You can also use the expression metaphorically: "That project takes a big hunk of our time".