enlargement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enlargement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the act of making something larger or the state of being enlarged, such as in discussions about images, physical objects, or even abstract concepts. Example: "The enlargement of the photograph allowed us to see the details more clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the explicit goals of European enlargement to the east was to consolidate liberal democracies (or, in the case of Romania, complete the transition to liberal democracy in the first place).

The Guardian - Opinion

There was no commitment to abstain in future from eastern Nato enlargement.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the discussions leading to the treaty, the Russians never raised the question of Nato enlargement, other than in respect of the former East Germany.

The Guardian - Opinion

The idea for such an article had been pushed by two paragons of western European democracy – Italy and Austria – in the runup to enlargement, clearly out of fear of what those uncouth eastern Europeans might do (the irony being that sanctions – though not under article 7 – were first applied against Austria, when the far-right Freedom party joined the government in 2000).

The Guardian - Opinion

Merritt served a 21-month ban after testing positive for a banned steroid and memorably claimed it was a penile enlargement product.

The Guardian - Sport

Nato's secretary general added that enlargement would damage relations with the Soviet Union.

The Guardian

This is about history and strategy; about great power spheres of influence, and about the strategic failure of the west to understand that Russia could not – and would not – stand by and watch EU and Nato enlargement encroaching ever closer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stubb said Britain should be congratulated for its past support for EU enlargement into eastern Europe.

The Guardian

In the field of EU enlargement, we see no issues which require subsidiarity or to be repatriated to national level".

The Guardian

Christopher Clark and Kristina Spohr say correctly (Moscow's false memory syndrome, 25 May) that no written or oral assurances about Nato enlargement were given during the negotiations for German reunification in 1990.

The Guardian

The realism he has shown in recent dealings with the West is in line with his record as foreign minister after 1996: loud complaints about NATO's enlargement plans eventually gave way to grudging acceptance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, consider using "expansion" or "growth" as alternatives to "enlargement" for a more nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "enlargement" in overly casual settings. Opt for simpler words like "increase" or "growth" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enlargement" is as a noun. It typically refers to the act of making something larger or the state of being enlarged. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from physical objects to abstract concepts, affirming its role as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "enlargement" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of making something larger or the state of being enlarged. As supported by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, with frequent usage in news media and formal business contexts. While synonyms like "expansion" and "augmentation" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When writing, it's best to reserve "enlargement" for contexts involving physical size or explicit scope, and avoid overuse in overly casual conversation. Ludwig’s examples confirm that “enlargement” is a versatile term that can be used correctly in different contexts, just remember to consider the specific connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expansion

Refers to the act of becoming larger or more extensive.

augmentation

Implies an increase in size, quantity, or degree.

magnification

Specifically relates to increasing the apparent size of something, often through optical means.

amplification

Suggests an increase in power or intensity.

growth

Indicates a gradual increase in size or development.

extension

Focuses on making something longer or reaching further.

increase

A general term for becoming larger or more numerous.

development

Implies growth or advancement over time.

widening

Specifically refers to increasing the width of something.

inflation

Often refers to an increase in size or volume, sometimes with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "enlargement" in a sentence?

You can use "enlargement" to describe the act of making something bigger, for example, "The "enlargement of the photo" revealed hidden details" or "The company is planning an "enlargement of its operations"."

What are some synonyms for "enlargement"?

Some synonyms for "enlargement" include "expansion", "augmentation", "magnification", and "amplification depending on the specific context".

When is it appropriate to use "enlargement" instead of "increase"?

"Enlargement" is often used when referring to a physical increase in size or scope, while "increase" is a more general term that can apply to abstract quantities or values. For instance, you might say "the "enlargement of the image"" but "an increase in profits."

What is the difference between "enlargement" and "expansion"?

"Enlargement" typically refers to making something physically bigger, whereas "expansion" often implies a more comprehensive growth, such as in business or territory. For example, "penile "enlargement"" versus "the "expansion of the EU"."