elephantine in size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elephantine in size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely large or massive, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The elephantine in size statue dominated the town square, drawing the attention of every passerby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Armies grew in size.

The New York Times

Skates vary in size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In size, maybe.

The New York Times - Sports

As the nation prepares for the return of Top Gear – three figures loom elephantine in the room.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For Schama, in the first volume of his "Story of the Jews," this means starting in 475 B.C.E., in the Jewish settlement of Elephantine, in Egypt.

The New Yorker

Permanent bodies of troops were stationed at strategic points throughout the empire, and, to judge from the garrison at Elephantine in Egypt, these were actually military colonies, firmly settled into the local countryside.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So a rich and serious week indeed, with one monster attention-grabbing event but a herd of others, equally elephantine in importance, creating their own thrilling stampede.

The Guardian - Music

Among them we find a Jewish settlement on the island of Elephantine in the south of Egypt.

Duke University

Many of the extant documents witnessing to this form of Aramaic come from Egypt, and Elephantine in particular.

Wikipedia

In many ways the tension between ADIA's elephantine size — the fund is twice as big as Norway's, the second-largest sovereign fund — and its demure aspect is underscored by its investment in Citigroup.

The New York Times

The behemoth structure, constructed of poured concrete, has been criticized for "its elephantine size and harshness [that] creates a black hole" in the middle of downtown, according to architect Arthur Cotton Moore.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elephantine in size" to vividly describe something that is not just large, but overwhelmingly so, often implying clumsiness or unwieldiness due to its size.

Common error

Avoid using "elephantine in size" when a simpler adjective like "large" or "huge" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the extreme scale and potential awkwardness of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elephantine in size" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is extremely large or massive. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its correct usage. It emphasizes not just size, but an overwhelming scale.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elephantine in size" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something exceptionally large. Although not very common, it effectively conveys a sense of overwhelming size, often with connotations of clumsiness or unwieldiness. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly usable in the English language. Related alternatives include "immense in scale" and "gigantic in proportions". While versatile, it is best reserved for situations where emphasizing extreme largeness is desired. Common sources include news media and encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monumental in size

Implies something of great significance due to its size.

immense in scale

Emphasizes the overall magnitude or scope of something.

massive in extent

Indicates a large area or range covered.

enormous in dimension

Focuses on the physical measurements being exceptionally large.

vast in area

Highlights the spaciousness or expanse of something.

gigantic in proportions

Highlights the size of the individual parts relative to the whole.

colossal in magnitude

Stresses the great importance or effect of something large.

humongous in volume

Emphasizes the amount of space something occupies.

prodigious in bulk

Suggests something impressively large and heavy.

tremendous in girth

Focuses on the circumference or width of something.

FAQs

How can I use "elephantine in size" in a sentence?

You can use "elephantine in size" to describe something exceptionally large, like "The statue, "monumental in size", dominated the town square".

What can I say instead of "elephantine in size"?

You can use alternatives such as "immense in scale", "gigantic in proportions", or "colossal in magnitude" depending on the specific context.

Is "elephantine in size" a common phrase?

While not the most common phrase, "elephantine in size" is recognizable and effective for emphasizing extreme largeness. Simpler alternatives might be more frequently used in general conversation.

What connotations does "elephantine in size" carry?

The phrase "elephantine in size" can suggest not only great size but also a degree of clumsiness, awkwardness, or unwieldiness due to its extreme proportions. It implies something is so large that it might be difficult to manage or move.