big time

USAGE SUMMARY

"big time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase that is used to emphasize how great or rewarding something is. For example, "I enjoyed my night out with my friends big time!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big time.

The New York Times

It helped, big time.

The New York Times

Big time saver!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Big time event.

Yale University

We're failing big time.

University of California, Berkeley

This is big time.

Yale University

It was the big time.

The New York Times - Sports

UNCASVILLE Big Time Rush, pop.

The New York Times

They owe me big time.

Independent

"I need this, big time".

The New York Times - Sports

I owe you big time!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big time" as an adverb, ensure it directly modifies the verb to create a stronger emphasis. For example, "He failed big time" is more effective than "He failed in a big way."

Common error

Avoid using "big time" in highly formal or academic writing. Its informal nature might undermine the credibility of your argument. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "significant", "substantial", or "major" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big time" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier to emphasize the degree or extent of an action or situation. According to Ludwig AI, it's an informal way to add emphasis. In some cases, it functions as a noun phrase, referring to the highest level of a profession or activity. For example, Ludwig provides the example: "This is big time."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

28%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big time" is a versatile phrase used primarily to add emphasis or signify a high level of achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in informal contexts. While common in news and media, it's best to avoid using "big time" in formal academic or professional writing, opting for more appropriate alternatives. When used correctly, it adds a colloquial yet impactful tone, highlighting the significance of the situation at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the big leagues

Directly comparable, referring to the highest level of competition or achievement.

major league

Indicates the highest level of professional achievement, similar to "big time" in its emphasis on significance.

top tier

Refers to the highest level or rank, akin to reaching the "big time" in a particular field.

at the pinnacle

Describes being at the peak or summit, synonymous with achieving "big time" status.

at the top of the game

Signifies being the best or most successful in one's field, equal to reaching the "big time".

in the spotlight

Implies being famous or well-known, a common result of making it "big time".

a roaring success

Highlights the achievement and high success that comes with "big time".

world-class

Denotes exceptional quality and skill, aligning with the standards of the "big time".

highly successful

Emphasizes the success and achievement of a "big time" player.

a great success

Underscores the achievement of a high degree of success, reflecting the essence of "big time".

FAQs

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

You can use "big time" to emphasize the extent or degree of something, as in "They messed up "big time"" or to refer to a high level of achievement, such as "She's made it to the "big time"."

What are some alternatives to "big time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "major league", "significantly", or "substantially". For example, instead of saying "He's a "big time" player", you could say "He's a major league player".

Is "big time" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "big time" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In formal contexts, use more professional alternatives such as "significant", "substantial", or "major".

What does it mean when someone says they owe you "big time"?

It means they feel greatly indebted to you and recognize that they owe you a significant favor or repayment. It’s an informal way of expressing deep gratitude or obligation.