he is big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is big" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing someone's physical size. For example, "He was so tall that he seemed bigger than life - he was big!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He is big strong man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is big on Buicks.

The New York Times

"He is big as a man.

The New Yorker

He is big, no doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

He is big, strong and athletic.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is big, he is smart.

The New York Times

"In Somalia, he is big, my dad".

The New Yorker

He is Big Gipp, not Big Dip.

The New York Times - Arts

"The boa constrictor: he is big and lazy.

Independent

Good boy that he is, Big humors me.

The New Yorker

He is big and strong enough to deal with it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "he is big" when directly describing someone's physical size or stature. For nuanced descriptions, consider synonyms like "he is huge" or "he is massive" depending on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "he is big" in contexts where a more specific adjective would provide a clearer picture. For example, instead of saying "he is big for his age", specify "he is tall for his age" or "he is heavy for his age" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is big" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of being large in size to a male subject. The phrase is simple and direct, commonly used to convey physical attributes, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is big" is a straightforward and commonly used expression to describe someone's large physical size or stature. According to Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, although it is especially prevalent in News & Media. While simple, it efficiently communicates physical attributes, and its nuances can be enhanced by using synonyms like "he is huge" or "he is massive" for greater emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, "he is big" serves as a descriptive statement, conveying information while maintaining a generally neutral tone. For precision in writing, it's advisable to specify the aspect of bigness being described (e.g., height or weight), avoiding over-reliance on the general term in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is huge

Emphasizes a greater degree of size than "big".

he is large

A more formal synonym for "big".

he is massive

Suggests a very great size or scale.

he is enormous

Indicates a size that is far beyond the average.

he is gigantic

Implies an extraordinary large size.

he is substantial

Suggests considerable size or importance.

he is considerable

Indicates a notable or significant amount or size.

he is tall

Specifically refers to height, a dimension of size.

he is bulky

Describes someone with a large, often muscular, build.

he is stout

Suggests a thickset or heavily built physique.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is big"?

When someone says "he is big", it usually means they are referring to the person's large physical size or stature. It can also sometimes imply strength or importance depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "he is big"?

Some synonyms for "he is big" include "he is huge", "he is large", "he is massive", or "he is enormous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to say "he is big" in formal writing?

While "he is big" is grammatically correct, it may be considered too informal for certain types of formal writing. In those cases, consider using more precise and descriptive language, such as "he is tall", "he is large", or "he is substantial", depending on the intended meaning.

How can I use "he is big" in a sentence?

You can use "he is big" in a sentence like this: "The boa constrictor: "he is big" and lazy." Or, "He is big and strong enough to deal with it."