bigger than a brigade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bigger than a brigade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is larger or more significant than a military brigade, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The project turned out to be bigger than a brigade, involving multiple teams and extensive resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is bigger than a brigade," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

People there may not know what's bigger, a brigade or a battalion.

The New York Times

Seems bigger than a book.

The New Yorker

(Nothing bigger than a basketball).

The New York Times

These were bigger than a quarter".

Independent

"It's bigger than a game".

The New York Times - Sports

She was no bigger than a moth.

The New Yorker

Some are bigger than a small bus".

The New York Times

This is bigger than a radio logo.

Los Angeles Times

"This is bigger than a single film".

Los Angeles Times

Was it bigger than a tree?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “bigger than a brigade” when you want to emphasize that something is substantial, whether in size, scope, or importance, especially in comparison to a well-defined military unit.

Common error

Avoid using “bigger than a brigade” when comparing things that aren't easily quantifiable. It works best when the comparison involves something that can be perceived as large or impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “bigger than a brigade” functions primarily as a comparative, used to describe something that surpasses the scale, size, or impact of a military brigade. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “bigger than a brigade” is a comparative expression that effectively communicates the substantial size or significance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English and is often found in news and media. While grammatically correct, it’s important to use it judiciously, ensuring the comparison is relevant and clear. Alternatives like "more significant than" or "larger than expected" can offer similar emphasis without the military connotation. Remember to consider your audience and the context to ensure the phrase resonates effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more significant than a brigade

Emphasizes importance or impact rather than physical size.

larger in scope than a brigade

Highlights the breadth or extent of something.

of greater magnitude than a brigade

Focuses on the scale or intensity of something.

more extensive than a brigade

Stresses the reach or coverage of something.

surpasses a brigade in size

Directly compares the size, indicating a greater scale.

exceeds the scale of a brigade

Indicates a level beyond that of a brigade.

outweighs a brigade in importance

Shifts the focus to the relative importance or value.

more substantial than a brigade

Suggests a greater degree of solidity or reality.

on a different scale than a brigade

Highlights a difference in magnitude or proportion.

a step above a brigade

Indicates a superior level or degree.

FAQs

How can “bigger than a brigade” be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, “bigger than a brigade” can describe anything that is surprisingly large, complex, or impactful. For example, "The scandal became "more significant than" initially anticipated" uses it to emphasize the unexpected magnitude of the scandal.

What are some alternatives to “bigger than a brigade” that don't use military terms?

Alternatives include phrases like "larger than expected", "more substantial than", or "more significant than". These options are useful when you want to avoid military connotations.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use “bigger than a brigade”?

It's inappropriate when the comparison is unclear or nonsensical, or when you are trying to describe something abstract that doesn't lend itself to size comparisons. For instance, saying "His kindness was bigger than a brigade" is not very effective.

Is “bigger than a brigade” a hyperbole?

Yes, it can be considered a hyperbole when used to exaggerate the size or importance of something. It's meant to create emphasis, but it should still be used in contexts where the comparison makes some sense.