disproportionately large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'disproportionately large' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is larger or more than what would be expected or appropriate. For example, "The administrative staff at the company had grown disproportionally large, making it difficult for the team to work efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nor is the U.S. government disproportionately large.

The New Yorker

Every pound spent on art education brings disproportionately large returns.

The Guardian - Arts

Is it disproportionately large, based on the number of units?

The New York Times

Inside, two successive spreads also featured disproportionately large headlines.

The Guardian

But the past looms disproportionately large in many pronouncements.

The Economist

Inevitably, it is disproportionately large in certain areas.

The Economist

Its control of the board tends to be disproportionately large.

The Economist

Scotland has a disproportionately large number of MPs at Westminster.

The Economist

TINA: We can pay you a disproportionately large amount of money, Hillary.

The New York Times

And people at the top have got to play a disproportionately large part.

The Guardian

Currently, those people control disproportionately large pools of capital, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disproportionately large", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the size or amount is being compared to, to highlight the imbalance effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "disproportionately large" without specifying what the size is disproportionate to. Always provide a clear reference point to make the comparison meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disproportionately large" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that its size or amount is greater than what is expected or appropriate in relation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disproportionately large" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is bigger or more significant than expected in relation to something else. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, appearing frequently in news media and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is disproportionate to, creating a clear and meaningful comparison. Consider using alternatives like "excessively large" or "unduly large" to fine-tune your message. By understanding the nuance of "disproportionately large", writers can communicate more precisely and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively large

Emphasizes that the size is beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

unduly large

Highlights that the size is inappropriate or unwarranted in a given situation.

inordinately large

Stresses that the size is unusually and remarkably great.

overly large

Indicates that the size is more than what is needed or desired.

comparatively large

Focuses on the size relative to something else, highlighting its greater magnitude.

unusually large

Simply notes that the size is not typical or common.

substantially larger

Emphasizes the significant difference in size.

significantly greater

Highlights the importance and magnitude of the difference.

markedly bigger

Indicates a noticeable and clear difference in size.

appreciably larger

Suggests that the size difference is easily perceived or measured.

FAQs

How can I use "disproportionately large" in a sentence?

You can use "disproportionately large" to describe something that is bigger or more significant than expected in relation to something else. For example, "The city has a "disproportionately large" number of homeless people compared to other cities of similar size."

What are some alternatives to "disproportionately large"?

Some alternatives include "excessively large", "unduly large", or "inordinately large", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "disproportionately large" and "comparatively large"?

"Disproportionately large" implies an imbalance or something being out of proportion, while "comparatively large" simply means something is bigger when compared to something else. The first expresses an unexpected ratio, whereas the second merely a difference in dimensions.

Is it more appropriate to use "disproportionately large" or "unusually large"?

Use "disproportionately large" when you want to emphasize that something is out of proportion in relation to something else. Use "unusually large" when you simply want to highlight that something is bigger than what is typically expected. In short, "disproportionately large" implies that there is an unexpected ratio whereas "unusually large" refers to a rare occurrence of a great dimension.