how massive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how massive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to ask about the size or weight of something. Example: "Can you believe how massive that elephant is?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just how massive should soon become clear.

The Economist

So just how massive is this underground?

The Guardian - Books

"I kept wondering how massive this thing was," Dantzler said.

The New York Times - Sports

This work demonstrates how massive data sets can be effectively queried and managed.

Computers & Geosciences

Here's how massive Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is.

The Guardian - Film

We need to almost recognise as a society how massive domestic abuse is".

The Guardian

Look, I'll write it in the sand, to show you how massive my number is.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Exactly which particles depends on how massive the Higgs really is.

The New York Times - Science

2. INVESTIGATION As he examined the patient, Helfrich was again struck by how massive he seemed.

The New York Times

How massive energy company Engie is overhauling its culture and strategy.

Stanford University

And this is how massive pop hits are supposed to sound?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how massive", ensure the context provides a clear point of reference for comparison. This makes the scale or size being described more impactful and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "how massive" in contexts where a more precise measurement or descriptor is needed. Over-reliance on this phrase can dilute the impact of your writing when specific details would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how massive" functions primarily as an interrogative clause initiating a question about the size, scale, or extent of something. As Ludwig examples show, it sets the stage for understanding the magnitude of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how massive" is a versatile and commonly used expression for inquiring about the scale, size, or impact of something. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the numerous examples demonstrate its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and scientific research. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it is important to ensure that the context provides a clear reference for comparison to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "how enormous" or "what is the scale" can be used to add nuance or formality depending on the specific situation. In summary, "how massive" is a reliable and effective phrase for prompting further elaboration on the magnitude of a given subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how enormous

Replaces "massive" with a synonym emphasizing great size, without altering the sentence structure or meaning.

how immense

Similar to "how enormous", but can also suggest a sense of awe or wonder.

how huge

Uses a more informal synonym for "massive", indicating a large size or scale.

what is the scale

Focuses on the size or extent of something, often in a more abstract or proportional sense.

to what extent is it large

Reformulates the question to focus on the scale, using a more descriptive approach.

what is the magnitude

Emphasizes the significance or importance of something rather than just its physical size.

how substantial

Highlights that something is of considerable size, amount, or importance.

how considerable

Shifts the focus to the substantial or noteworthy nature of something, implying a degree of impact or importance.

what is the degree of

More formal and abstract, referring to the level or intensity of something rather than its physical size.

how significant

Highlights the importance or consequence of something, rather than its size.

FAQs

How can I use "how massive" in a sentence?

You can use "how massive" to inquire about the size, scale, or extent of something. For example, "I kept wondering "how massive" this thing was," or "We need to almost recognise as a society "how massive" domestic abuse is".

What are some alternatives to "how massive"?

Alternatives include "how enormous", "how huge", or "what is the scale" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "how massive" in formal writing?

Yes, "how massive" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when inquiring about the scale or impact of something. However, in certain scientific contexts, a more precise term might be preferable.

What's the difference between "how massive" and "how large"?

While both phrases relate to size, "how massive" often implies a sense of weight, scale, or impact, whereas "how large" is typically used for physical dimensions. Thus, "how massive" might be more appropriate when discussing the scale of a problem, while "how large" would suit describing the size of a room.