how large are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how large are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the size or dimensions of something. Example: "How large are the new office spaces compared to the old ones?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

How large are the crowds?

The New York Times

How large are the freshman lectures?

The New York Times

How large are the volumes?

The Guardian - Business

When they retire, how large are they going to get when they're not active?

The New York Times - Sports

HOW large are the budget cuts that would be set in motion by sequestration?

The New York Times

How large are the regions that must be served by health plans known as preferred provider organizations?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

HOW large is the museum?

The New York Times

How large is the space?

The New York Times

HOW large is the multiracial population?

The New York Times

How large was Conan's staff?

The New York Times

HOW large is the sinkhole now?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how large are" when inquiring about the size of multiple entities or a plural noun, and "how large is" when referring to a singular noun.

Common error

Avoid using "how large is" when referring to multiple items. Always ensure the verb "are" agrees with a plural subject after the phrase "how large".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how large are" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the size, dimensions, or extent of something. It is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase representing the object or entity being measured. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how large are" serves as a grammatically sound and frequently employed interrogative, primarily functioning to seek information about the size or extent of various subjects. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for written English. Its applications span across diverse fields, including news reporting and scientific research, reflecting its versatility. Common usage involves direct inquiries about quantifiable attributes, with adherence to subject-verb agreement being a key grammatical consideration. While “how big are” presents a more casual alternative, “how large are” maintains a somewhat more formal tone, rendering it appropriate for professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the size of

Rephrases the question to focus on the "size" as the subject.

what are the dimensions of

Specifies the inquiry to "dimensions", implying a measurement of length, width, and height.

what is the magnitude of

Emphasizes the overall scale or importance rather than just physical size.

to what extent are

Shifts the focus to the degree or scope of something.

how expansive are

Highlights the idea of something spreading out or covering a large area.

what is the scope of

Focuses on the range or reach of something.

what is the scale of

Emphasizes the relative size or extent, often in comparison to something else.

how considerable are

Indicates the significance or importance of the size or quantity.

what degree of size do

Inquires about the level or extent of the size attribute.

how immense are

Highlights the vastness or enormity of the subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "how large are" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "what is the size of", "what are the dimensions of", or "to what extent are" depending on the specific context and what aspect of size you are inquiring about.

What's the difference between "how large are" and "how big are"?

While both phrases inquire about size, "how large are" is generally considered slightly more formal than "how big are". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "how large is" instead of "how large are"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "how large is" for singular nouns (e.g., "How large is the room?") and "how large are" for plural nouns (e.g., "How large are the rooms?").

What prepositions commonly follow "how large are" in a sentence?

The preposition used depends on the context. Common prepositions include "in" (e.g., "How large are the differences in the data?"), "for" (e.g., "How large are the subsidies for renewable energy?"), and "of" (e.g., "How large are the uncertainties of the results?").