big names

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "big names" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to important or well-known people or entities. For example, "The company manages the public relations of some big names in the entertainment industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some big names stayed away.

The Economist

These are big names.

The Guardian - Books

Were they big names?

The Guardian - Film

Any big names?

The Guardian - Sport

Big names are attached.

The Guardian - Film

Not all the casualties were big names.

Independent

Her connections ensured some big names.

Independent

Other big names brought high prices too.

The New York Times - Arts

Keith Harris and Orville were big names.

Independent

Other big names also fared well.

The New York Times

This is a week of big names.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big names" to concisely refer to influential or well-known entities in a specific context. It is effective for quickly conveying recognition and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "big names" in highly formal academic or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "leading researchers" or "prominent scholars" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big names" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or subject complement. It signifies individuals or entities of significant renown or influence, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big names" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys the presence of influential or well-known entities, as supported by Ludwig's examples. It is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. While useful for quickly conveying recognition, it is less suitable for highly formal writing, where more precise terms are preferred. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely understood and accepted, making it a valuable tool for concise communication. Related phrases such as "prominent figures" and "major players" can offer suitable alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prominent figures

Replaces "names" with "figures", emphasizing status.

leading individuals

Emphasizes leadership and individuality rather than just recognition.

major players

Highlights influence and importance within a specific field or industry.

well-known personalities

Focuses on fame and individual character.

celebrated figures

Highlights the widespread recognition and acclaim.

renowned individuals

Emphasizes respect and admiration.

famous entities

Works in business context.

notable people

Highlights the quality of being worthy of attention.

important personages

Formal, refers to a person of high rank or status.

top talents

Highlights skill and expertise in a particular area.

FAQs

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

You can use "big names" to refer to influential people or entities, for example: "The conference attracted "big names" in the tech industry."

What's a good alternative to "big names"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "prominent figures", "leading individuals", or "major players".

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

While "big names" is widely understood, it might be too informal for some academic or business contexts. Consider using more precise and professional terms like "esteemed experts" or "key stakeholders".

What does "big names" typically refer to?

"Big names" generally refers to people or entities that are widely recognized and influential within a particular field or industry. They are often leaders or innovators in their respective areas.