large animal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "large animal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to animals that are significantly bigger in size compared to others, often in contexts related to biology, wildlife, or agriculture. Example: "The safari was filled with large animals, including elephants and giraffes, that roamed freely across the plains."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A large animal?

The New York Times

Let a large animal help you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Large Animal Medicine and Surgery is looking for a large animal intern!

Cornell University

Another large animal was named either "moose" or "elk".

The New Yorker

Busy 3 doctor large animal practice seeks intern to mentor!

Cornell University

Concurrent studies using small and large animal models are ongoing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

People, too, come and go: a large-animal veterinarian, a farrier, a sheep shearer.

The New York Times - Books

Three times she managed to hire partners, but they either left Maine or large-animal care.

The New York Times

In the future, large-animal models could be used for further experimentation.

Nature

Large-animal populations are growing, and researchers are working on both conservation and ecology studies.

Princeton University

Kerry Condon's ambitious exercise rider seems harmless enough, as does Jill Hennessy's large-animal vet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about animals in a scientific or academic context, use "large animal" to specifically refer to animals used in research or veterinary practice. Be precise about the species when possible.

Common error

Avoid using "large animal" as a vague descriptor. Always provide context or specify the species to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The study involved large animals", specify "The study involved horses and cattle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large animal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to refer to an animal of considerable size, especially in contexts like veterinary medicine, animal research or agriculture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "large animal" is a commonly used noun phrase that categorizes animals based on size, particularly in academic, scientific, and veterinary contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral, its formality can vary depending on the context. For more casual conversation, consider using alternative phrases like "huge animal" or being specific about the species. When writing, avoid vagueness by providing specific context or species names to ensure clarity. The phrase appears frequently across various authoritative sources, making it a reliable and appropriate term in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huge animal

Directly expresses the animal's large size.

big beast

Emphasizes the size and wild nature of the animal.

giant creature

Highlights the immense size of the animal.

massive beast

Highlights the animal's imposing size and strength.

mammoth animal

Implies an extremely large size, reminiscent of mammoths.

great animal

Emphasizes not only size but also impressive qualities or importance.

sizable animal

Indicates a considerable size, slightly more formal.

colossal animal

Emphasizes the extremely large size, often used figuratively.

over-sized animal

Implies that the animal is larger than usual for its kind.

supersized animal

Informal way to describe a very large animal, often used humorously.

FAQs

How can I use "large animal" in a sentence?

You can use "large animal" to refer to animals of considerable size, especially in contexts like veterinary medicine or scientific research. For example: "The veterinarian specializes in "large animal" care" or "Large animal models are often used in preclinical studies".

What's a suitable alternative to "large animal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "big beast" or "giant creature" if you want to emphasize size. In a scientific context, it's often better to be specific and name the animal (e.g., "horses", "cattle", or "elephants").

Is it appropriate to use "large animal" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "large animal" might sound formal in casual conversation. Using more descriptive terms like "huge animal" or specifying the animal (e.g., "an elephant") is usually more natural.

When is it best to use the term "large animal"?

The term "large animal" is particularly useful in veterinary science, agricultural contexts, or research settings where distinguishing between different sizes of animals is necessary. It is appropriate when you want to generally categorize animals by size without specifying a species.