bigger than that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bigger than that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is more significant or important than what has been previously mentioned or considered. Example: "I understand your concerns, but the issue at hand is bigger than that; it affects the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even bigger than that.

The New York Times - Sports

It's bigger than that".

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is bigger than that".

The New York Times

"But this is much bigger than that.

The New York Times - Tech

And the problem is bigger than that.

The New Yorker

But it's much bigger than that.

The New York Times

"The truth is bigger than that.

Independent

What else is there bigger than that?

Independent

The actual deficit is bigger than that.

The New York Times

"You need somebody bigger than that".

The New Yorker

He should be bigger than that".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bigger than that" to emphasize that the current topic is not limited to the previously discussed details; it encompasses a wider perspective or impact. For example: "The problem isn't just about funding; it's "bigger than that", affecting the community's long-term sustainability."

Common error

While "bigger than that" is useful for broad comparisons, avoid using it when specific measurements or criteria are relevant. For instance, instead of saying "The budget is bigger than that", provide the actual figure for clarity. If there is another phrase with better explanation and context you want to provide, use that instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bigger than that" functions as a comparative, indicating that something is of greater significance, size, or impact than a previously mentioned subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is grammatically sound and can be effectively employed to broaden the scope of a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bigger than that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that something is more significant or extensive than what has been previously discussed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans slightly toward the informal, making it suitable for a wide range of communication. When a more precise comparison is needed, consider using alternatives like "more significant than that" or providing specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more significant than that

Emphasizes the importance or consequence is greater.

more important than that

Focuses on the higher value or relevance of something.

greater than that

Highlights a larger size, extent, or degree.

larger in scope than that

Indicates a broader reach or inclusiveness.

more extensive than that

Suggests something covers a wider area or range.

of greater consequence than that

Stresses the increased impact or outcome.

beyond that

Implies something goes beyond the limits or boundaries of what was mentioned.

exceeds that

Highlights surpassing a certain limit or expectation.

outweighs that

Focuses on the greater influence or importance.

surpasses that

Emphasizes exceeding or going beyond something in quality or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "bigger than that" in a sentence?

Use "bigger than that" to indicate that something is more significant, extensive, or impactful than what has been previously mentioned. For example, "The issue isn't just about personal feelings; it's "bigger than that", affecting the entire team."

What are some alternatives to "bigger than that"?

You can use alternatives such as "more significant than that", "more important than that", or "greater than that" depending on the specific context.

Is "bigger than that" formal or informal?

"Bigger than that" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts. For more formal situations, consider using "more significant than that" or "of greater importance than that".

When should I avoid using "bigger than that"?

Avoid using "bigger than that" when a more precise or specific comparison is needed. In situations where accuracy is critical, provide explicit details instead of relying on the vagueness of ""bigger than that"".