big name

USAGE SUMMARY

"big name" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective or noun to refer to someone or something that is well-known and respected. For example: "She wanted to be a big name in the fashion industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He's successful, has a big name".

The New York Times - Sports

Can you get a big name (actor)?

Harvard University

Expect some big name interviews too.

The Times

Big name, big pay, sloppy work.

The Washington Post

Were you a big name on campus?

The Guardian

A big name may well miss out.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Some big names stayed away.

The Economist

John Whyte made the big names".

The New York Times

These are big names.

The Guardian - Books

Were they big names?

The Guardian - Film

Any big names?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals with significant influence, ensure that you check and double-check the person's credentials and ensure the information reported is factually accurate.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "big name" in close proximity within your text. Vary your language with synonyms like "prominent figure" or "well-known personality" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big name" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an adjective modifying another noun, or as a noun itself. It signifies someone or something that is widely known and respected, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

11%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big name" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone or something famous and well-respected. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and typical usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase can occasionally appear in academic or formal business settings. When writing, vary your language by employing synonyms like "prominent individual" or "leading light" to avoid redundancy. While grammatically sound and widely understood, remember to consider the formality of your context when choosing to use the phrase "big name".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-known figure

Replaces the adjective "big" with "well-known", maintaining the core meaning of fame and recognition.

famous personality

Substitutes "name" with "personality", emphasizing the individual's character and public presence.

prominent individual

Replaces the familiar term with a more formal expression, highlighting the individual's importance.

leading light

Uses a metaphorical expression suggesting someone who is an inspiration or role model.

major player

Conveys the idea of someone influential and significant in a particular field or industry.

celebrated person

Focuses on the positive recognition and acclaim the individual receives.

notable figure

Emphasizes the individual's distinction and worthiness of attention.

renowned personality

Highlights widespread fame and respect.

an important person

General expression replacing the idea of fame with importance.

a star

Metaphorically refers to a celebrity or famous person, shorter and more informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "big name" to describe someone or something that is famous and well-respected. For example, "The festival attracted several "famous personalities"" or "They hired a "prominent individual" to lead the project."

What are some alternatives to "big name"?

Some alternatives to "big name" include "well-known figure", "leading light", "major player", or "celebrated person". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "big name" in formal writing?

While "big name" is widely understood, it might be considered informal for certain types of formal writing. In those cases, consider using more formal alternatives such as "prominent individual" or "renowned personality".

What does it mean when someone is referred to as a "big name"?

Referring to someone as a "big name" means they have a widely recognized reputation and are often successful or influential in their field. It implies a level of fame and respect.