bulk

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bulk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount or quantity of something. Example: We bought our groceries in bulk to get a discount.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The legislation will include not only the expected snooper's charter, enabling the tracking of everyone's web and social media use, but also moves to strengthen the security services' warranted powers for the bulk interception of the content of communications.

The Guardian

He would abolish the income tax for the vast bulk of Americans and replace the revenue with a 12.5 percent value-added tax.

The New York Times

Renewal of the expiring Patriot Act powers would come through the USA Freedom Act, a House-passed bill that extends their lifespan in exchange for killing the bulk US phone records surveillance exposed in 2013 by the Guardian, thanks to whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

But residents here care little for such things, or for his denial that he owns the bulk of the company.

The Guardian

The US Senate on Tuesday passed a bill to end the bulk collection of millions of Americans' phone records, ushering in the country's most significant surveillance reform since 1978 two years after NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden's revelations to the Guardian.

The Guardian

The reason is that there were real abuses of the system; organised gangs behind bulk claims; shady advisers cooking up scams.

The Guardian - Opinion

Asked whether the rejection of bulk collection by Congress and the courts meant it was now time to review official US attitudes to Snowden, Rand Paul, the Republican presidential candidate who played a key role in ensuring the Patriot Act provisions expired on Sunday night, declined to comment.

The Guardian

Western officials said on Friday Iran would have to fulfil a list of conditions in order to benefit from the bulk lifting of economic and financial sanctions, including an EU oil embargo and exclusion from the Swift electronic banking system.

The Guardian

With just six working days left for Congress to re-authorise a controversial expiring portion of the 2001 Patriot Act that the NSA has used since 2006 to justify the program, Senate Republican leaders have insisted the bulk domestic surveillance should be renewed in its current form but conceded they may not have the votes to do so.

The Guardian

The advantage of taking your car over, apart from the obvious benefits of boot space for bulk buying, is that you can visit Arras, or St Omer or Abbeville.

The Guardian - Travel

In practice, the bulk of Channel's efforts involve younger people tempted by Islamist views, with many recent cases linked to radicalisation over Syria.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bulk" as an adjective (e.g., "bulk buying"), ensure it clearly modifies a noun indicating an action or state involving a large quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "bulk" to describe something simply large in size without implying a large quantity or mass. For example, use "large building" rather than "bulk building".

Linguistic Context

The word "bulk" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the size, mass, or volume of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is generally used in correct English. Examples demonstrate its use to represent the major part of something or unpackaged goods transported in large volumes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bulk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, predominantly functioning as a noun. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is generally correct in English. It typically refers to a large quantity, size, or mass, frequently appearing in News & Media contexts. When writing, it's best practice to reserve "bulk" for situations directly involving a large quantity or mass. The related phrases, such as "large quantity" or "major portion", can offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large quantity

Emphasizes the amount rather than the physical size or mass.

major portion

Focuses on the proportional size or significance of a part.

mass quantity

Highlights a large amount with the connotation of being unwieldy.

vast amount

Stresses the immensity and scale of the quantity.

the majority

Refers to the greater number or part.

principal part

Highlights the most important or main section.

chief component

Emphasizes that it is a part of a mixture or compound.

substantial volume

Focuses on the physical space occupied.

considerable size

Refers to the dimensions or extent of something.

sizeable mass

Highlights the weight and quantity combined.

FAQs

How is "bulk" used in a sentence?

The word "bulk" can be used as a noun to refer to a large quantity or as an adjective, often in the phrase "bulk buying", to describe buying in large quantities.

What are some synonyms for "bulk"?

Synonyms for "bulk" include "large quantity", "mass", "majority", and "volume", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "bulk" instead of "large quantity"?

"Bulk" is most appropriate when referring to a large amount of something that is typically sold or handled in large amounts. It suggests a commodity or material rather than just any large collection. You can use alternatives like "large quantity" in other contexts.

What's the difference between "bulk" and "majority"?

"Bulk" typically refers to physical quantity or size, whereas "majority" refers to the greater part or number of something, not necessarily its physical size. For example: "the bulk of the shipment" vs "the majority of voters".