big ups to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big ups to" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It is typically used to express appreciation or recognition for someone’s achievements or contributions. Example: "Big ups to Sarah for her hard work on the project; she really went above and beyond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

And the mag goes in for the pure suck-up – a little ink costs nothing – by giving big ups to Ron Howard, just another poor, unrecognized no-name director.

The New York Times

— JOANNE C. GERSTNER Big ups to @Claressashields for becoming first US woman to win Olympic Gold in boxing!! Congrats, proud of you!! Holdin it down for flint!! — Mark Ingram (@Mark_Ingram28) 9 Aug 12 Cambage, who has been quiet in the second half, has drawn seven fouls from U.S. defenders.

The New York Times

He moved over to offer big ups to George Clooney and his agent Bryan Lourd at table 20, a fulcrum of buzz on a night when "Good Night, and Good Luck" won best picture and Clooney buddy Steven Gaghan won best adapted screenplay.

The New York Times

Big ups to Flipswap.

TechCrunch

Big ups to Heather and Capcom for hooking us up.

TechCrunch

"Big ups to AT&T for sending me an international phone in time to use for the Games in Vancouver!

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Big up to them people, but I'm different.

Independent

They are big, up to three metres long.

The Guardian

Içás are big — up to an inch in length — and fat, and they can bite viciously.

The New York Times

"Big up to all my real supporters," the dubstep pioneer declared.

The Guardian - Music

"It's cool," says Lockhart, "when you're driving along and you hear the DJ say 'Big up' to someone in Hackney and then 'Big up' to someone in Estonia, or Detroit, it sounds crazy".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big ups to" in informal settings to acknowledge someone's efforts or achievements. It adds a casual and appreciative tone to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "big ups to" in formal communications such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "kudos to" or "we commend."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big ups to" functions as an interjection or expression of acknowledgment and appreciation. It is typically used to give recognition or to congratulate someone on an achievement or effort, as suggested by Ludwig and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Vice

8%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big ups to" is a common and informal way to express appreciation, congratulations, or respect. It is generally considered grammatically correct for colloquial use and is primarily found in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, while noting its informal register. When writing, consider more formal alternatives like "kudos to" or "we commend" in professional settings. Remember that the phrase conveys enthusiasm and support, making it ideal for casual acknowledgement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

props to

Similar in tone and meaning to "big ups to" but slightly more concise.

kudos to

Emphasizes respect and admiration for an achievement; more formal.

much respect to

Emphasizes a deeper level of admiration and acknowledgment.

congratulations to

Directly expresses joy and acknowledgment for someone's success.

hats off to

Signals respect and admiration, often for overcoming a challenge.

respect to

Acknowledges someone's skills, qualities, or achievements, though less enthusiastic.

cheers to

Expresses approval and celebration.

accolades to

Highlights significant achievements deserving of formal recognition.

I salute

Shows respect and admiration, typically for honorable actions.

my compliments to

Offers formal praise for a job well done.

FAQs

How can I use "big ups to" in a sentence?

You can use "big ups to" to express appreciation or recognition. For example, "Big ups to the team for their hard work on the project!"

What can I say instead of "big ups to"?

You can use alternatives like "kudos to", "hats off to", or "congratulations to" depending on the context.

Is "big ups to" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "big ups to" is generally not appropriate for formal writing. Use more formal alternatives like "we commend" or "recognition is due to" instead.

What's the difference between "big ups to" and "congratulations to"?

"Big ups to" is an informal expression of appreciation or respect, while "congratulations to" is a more direct expression of joy and acknowledgment for someone's success. "Big ups to" can also be used for effort, whereas "congratulations to" is almost exclusively for a positive outcome.