in bulk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in bulk" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to describe the purchase of a large quantity of something, usually at a discounted rate. For example: "I purchased the cleaning supplies in bulk, which saved me some money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bought food in bulk.

The New Yorker

Everything comes in bulk.

The New York Times

2. Vitamins are best bought in bulk.

The New York Times

Customers also started buying in bulk online.

The Economist

I buy things in bulk.

The New York Times

Most guys believe in bulk".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Smith creates in bulk.

The New York Times - Arts

Think of buying in bulk.

The Washington Post

At home, prepare in bulk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Who buys toilet paper in bulk?

The Guardian

(I buy my heart medication in bulk).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in bulk" to describe a purchase, clearly state what is being bought. This makes the context and savings clearer for the reader.

Common error

Don't buy "in bulk" without considering storage. Ensure you have adequate space and proper conditions to prevent spoilage or damage of the purchased items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in bulk" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs related to purchasing, creating, or preparing items. It indicates that the action is performed with a large quantity of something. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing people buying food, vitamins, or other supplies "in bulk".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in bulk" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that describes purchasing, creating, or handling items in large quantities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "in bulk", ensure you're clear about what you're buying and have considered storage implications. Alternatives like "in large quantities" or "wholesale" can be used for variety. Remember, while buying "in bulk" can save money, it's essential to consider whether you will use all the items before they expire. With its frequency and clear meaning, "in bulk" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in bulk quantities

Adds redundancy for emphasis, making it explicitly about large amounts.

in bulk form

Emphasizes the state of being in a large, unpackaged quantity.

in large quantities

Replaces 'bulk' with a more descriptive term, focusing on the quantity.

in volume

Similar to 'in bulk', emphasizing the large amount.

in large amounts

Replaces 'bulk' with a more descriptive term, focusing on the amount.

in wholesale quantities

Combines 'wholesale' with explicit reference to quantities, implying both price and quantity benefits.

wholesale

Suggests buying at a lower price due to the large quantity purchased.

en masse

Indicates that items are acquired or dealt with as a single, large group.

by the case

Specifically refers to purchasing items packaged in cases, implying a large quantity.

massively

Describes actions done on a large scale.

FAQs

How can I use "in bulk" in a sentence?

You can use "in bulk" to describe purchasing large quantities of items, like "I buy rice "in bulk" to save money".

What are some synonyms for "in bulk"?

Alternatives to "in bulk" include "in large quantities", "wholesale", or "in volume", all suggesting a large amount.

Is it always cheaper to buy "in bulk"?

While often cheaper per unit, buying "in bulk" isn't always economical if the items expire or you can't use them before they go bad.

What should I consider before buying items "in bulk"?

Before buying "in bulk", consider storage space, expiration dates, and whether you'll actually use the quantity purchased to avoid waste.