four times bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "four times bigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of one object or quantity to another, indicating that it is four times the size of the other. Example: "The new building is four times bigger than the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are four times bigger than France, without roads.

The Guardian

In 1980 Africans had an average income per head almost four times bigger than the Chinese.

The Economist

She has this great laugh that is about three or four times bigger than she is".

The Guardian - Books

"This company is four times bigger than any other security company in the world.

The Guardian - Sport

Roughly the size of an orange, it was four times bigger than her heart.

The Washington Post

ISS is the ninth space station and the biggest – four times bigger than Mir and five times larger than Skylab.

Independent

Its stockmarket capitalisation is four times bigger than China's, and it spends five times as much on defence.

The Economist

Typically, baseball's version produces ratings three to four times bigger than those of its regular-season games.

The New York Times - Sports

Just for the record, that's about four times bigger than the sale that has Martha Stewart in hot water.

The New York Times

When A & P vacated it eight years ago, most A & P stores occupied sites more than four times bigger.

The New York Times

My dad made me a Meccano set, three or four times bigger than the biggest set you could buy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "four times bigger", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is four times bigger than to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The new office is four times bigger than the old one."

Common error

Avoid using "four times bigger" without a clear reference point. For instance, saying "It's four times bigger!" is less effective than stating "It's four times bigger than we anticipated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "four times bigger" functions as an adjectival phrase used to quantify and compare the size of two entities. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable expression, indicating that one item is four times the size of another. This phrase often modifies nouns, providing a clear indication of scale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "four times bigger" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that one thing is four times the size of another. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, with significant presence in Science and Formal & Business domains, it serves to provide a quantifiable comparison emphasizing a significant difference in size. Related phrases include ""fourfold larger"" and ""quadruple the size"". When employing this phrase, ensure a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral, context dictates the most appropriate alternative. Be mindful, this is a very common phrase and overusing it, could eventually result in sounding repetitive. Instead rely on variety of the related phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fourfold larger

Emphasizes the multiplicative factor of the size difference.

four times as large

A simple and direct alternative, emphasizing the comparison in size.

quadruple the size

Highlights the action of multiplying the size by four.

four times greater

A more general way to express a fourfold increase in any measurable quantity.

four times the magnitude

Focuses on the extent or importance of something, rather than just physical size.

increased by a factor of four

Describes the change in size from an initial value.

four times the scale

Focuses on the relative size or extent of something.

of quadruple proportions

Emphasizes the scale or dimensions involved.

multiplied by four

Highlights the mathematical operation that results in the larger size.

four times the volume

Specifies volume as the aspect being four times bigger, useful in specific contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "four times bigger" in a sentence?

Use "four times bigger" to compare the size of two entities, stating that one is four times the size of the other. For example, "The new stadium is "four times bigger" than the old one".

What are some alternatives to saying "four times bigger"?

Alternatives include "fourfold larger", "quadruple the size", or "four times as large". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "four times bigger"?

Yes, "four times bigger" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express that something is four times the size of something else.

What's the difference between "four times bigger" and "four times larger"?

The phrases ""four times bigger"" and "four times larger" are essentially interchangeable and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.