big shield

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big shield" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a shield that is large in size or to metaphorically refer to something that provides significant protection. For example, "The knight raised his big shield to defend against the incoming arrows." Alternative expressions include "large shield" and "huge shield."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

(How long before our heroes visit "The Sweatshop", the SHIELD outpost that churns out all those dark suits?) If the intention was to put some open water between "big SHIELD" and Agent Coulson's semi-autonomous team of rascally cut-ups and rigid ninjas, it worked.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He also notes that "a small man with a big shield will drive the archers mad".

The New York Times - Books

First, Bastion in turret form acquires a big shield at the front but a newly vulnerable point on his back – which any flanking character can take advantage of.

The Guardian - Tech

"The one big shield approached the cops, and teargas and flash bangs were deployed while cops used batons to attack the people with the shield".

The Guardian

That has been a very big shield for Goodell to stand behind in the nine months since the league announced its sanctions against the New Orleans Saints for a bounty program it said coaches organized and players participated in.

The New York Times - Sports

It also seemed to be setting up next week's episode, where Coulson's semi-autonomous team of elites and geeks will clash with the implacable bureaucracy of "big SHIELD" in the form of intimidating accountant Victoria Hand (played by Saffron Burrows).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The trousers were big, and they bunched up when Obinze tightened his belt, but the jacket, also big, shielded the unsightly pleat of cloth at his waist.

The New Yorker

[via Twitter[b]: LIZADONNELLY: Charles gets the biggest shield?

The New Yorker

Their biggest shield is an oath of secrecy that is imposed on followers.

The Economist

[via Twitter[b]: AMY DAVIDSON: Oh, Charles gets a bigger shield on his car than the others.

The New Yorker

Similarly, while Democrats are open to supporting a limited missile defense system, they are skeptical about the costs and technical feasibility of the bigger shield Mr. Bush has in mind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like protection or defense, consider using "big shield" metaphorically to emphasize the magnitude or importance of the safeguard.

Common error

Avoid using "big shield" in situations where a more precise or technical term would be more appropriate. While it can be a vivid metaphor, overuse can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big shield" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "shield". It describes a literal or figurative protective barrier of considerable size. Ludwig confirms its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big shield" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a physical or metaphorical barrier offering substantial protection. Predominantly found in news and media, and science contexts, it functions as a noun phrase emphasizing size and significance. Ludwig's examples confirm its versatility, though formal writing may sometimes require more precise alternatives. Overall, "big shield" effectively conveys the idea of robust defense or safeguard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large shield

Focuses on the shield's size without necessarily implying exceptional protection.

huge shield

Emphasizes the immense size of the shield, suggesting greater coverage.

massive shield

Highlights the substantial size and potentially the weight or strength of the shield.

giant shield

Indicates an exceptionally large shield, possibly of fantastical proportions.

towering shield

Suggests a shield that is tall and imposing, offering significant vertical coverage.

broad shield

Emphasizes the width of the shield, implying extensive lateral protection.

extensive defense

Shifts from the physical shield to a more abstract concept of widespread protection.

impenetrable barrier

Focuses on the shield's capacity to prevent attacks from breaching it.

formidable protection

Highlights the shield's ability to deter or withstand attacks due to its intimidating qualities.

substantial safeguard

Indicates that the shield offers a significant level of security or assurance.

FAQs

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

You can use "big shield" literally, such as "The soldier carried a "large shield" into battle", or metaphorically, like "Education is a "substantial safeguard" against misinformation".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "big shield"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "big shield" could include "extensive defense", "impenetrable barrier", or simply "strong protection".

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

While "big shield" is understandable, in formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives like "robust defense" or "significant protection" to maintain a higher level of formality.

When should I use "big shield" metaphorically?

Use "big shield" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the strength or scale of a protective measure, such as describing a comprehensive legal framework or a robust security system. But avoid using "big shield" if your intent is to refer to something that protects/shields in general but is small in size and importance.