big like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big like" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in casual conversation or informal writing to express a comparison or similarity in size or extent, often in a playful or exaggerated manner. Example: "The dog was big like a bear, making everyone stop and stare."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because I just think that maybe the child will be too big (like before) for the already weak uterus.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

It can be something big, like start a new career, or something small, like cleaning up a room.

WikiHow

Usually a mother will make nest in a tight space and most likely behind something big like a rock.

WikiHow

"Some of them are big, like Cessna.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But not big like this.

The Guardian - Travel

"Americans want big, like hamburgers".

The New York Times - Food

"I'm not big like you think.

The New York Times

"We are not so big like China.

The New York Times

He thinks big like Ronald Reagan.

The New York Times - Magazine

Unless the room is really pretty big, like a garage.

The New Yorker

There was nothing big, like tax reform or entitlement reform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big like" to create vivid comparisons, emphasizing the size or scale of something by relating it to something familiar or easily imagined. For example, "His heart is "big like" a house" conveys the enormity of his generosity.

Common error

Avoid using "big like" in academic papers or professional reports. It can detract from the credibility and precision of your writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "as large as" or "of comparable size".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big like" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something by likening its size or scale to another object or concept. As noted by Ludwig AI, the usage is considered colloquial. It provides a way to create a relatable image or description.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big like" serves as an informal way to draw comparisons based on size, frequently appearing in news, media, and wiki content. Although the expression is "Acceptable", according to Ludwig AI it might not be suitable for professional, academic, or scientific contexts due to its casual nature. Alternatives such as "as big as" or "similar in size to" are preferable in formal settings. Understanding its appropriate context will ensure effective and clear communication, so consider your audience before using "big like".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as big as

Direct comparison using the standard "as...as" structure.

as large as

Standard form for comparing the largeness of two things.

large like

Replaces "big" with a synonym, maintaining the same structure.

massive like

Uses a stronger adjective to emphasize the size comparison.

huge like

Emphasizes size with a common synonym for "big".

the size of

Indicates a size comparison, focusing on dimensions.

of similar size to

Formal alternative expressing comparable dimensions.

comparable in size to

More formal and precise way of indicating size similarity.

in the same ballpark as

Idiomatic expression indicating approximate similarity.

on par with

Suggests a comparison in terms of scale or magnitude.

FAQs

What does "big like" mean?

"Big like" is an informal expression used to describe something that is similar in size or magnitude to something else. It's a way of making a comparison, often in a descriptive or illustrative manner.

What can I say instead of "big like"?

You can use alternatives like "as big as", "large like", or "similar in size to" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "big like"?

While commonly used in informal speech and writing, "big like" may not be considered grammatically standard in formal English. It's often better to use "as big as" or a similar construction in formal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "big like"?

It's appropriate to use "big like" in casual conversations, informal writing, or when trying to create a vivid or relatable comparison. However, avoid using it in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications, where more precise language is preferred.