large helping of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "large helping of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a generous portion of something, often in a figurative sense, such as emotions or qualities. Example: "The movie was filled with a large helping of suspense that kept the audience on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Attempts to quantify existential risk inevitably involve a large helping of subjective judgment.

The Guardian

So almost all astronomers are convinced that a large helping of extra mass is called for.

The Economist

Humor and a large helping of amnesia are the secrets to facing tragedy.

The New York Times

It's a good guess that this film will be rolled around in a similarly large helping of lard.

The New York Times

And the city's population included a large helping of people who had not been born in the United States.

The New York Times

They had what any host ought to possess: friendliness, sociability, thoughtfulness, generosity and a very large helping of eccentricity.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

(I always preferred the winter vegetables, rich kabocha squash and hearty winter greens, my serving always lathered with an extra-large helping of brown-rice gravy).

The New Yorker

Page 187 brings the revelation that Matt is always given the largest helping of potatoes and sausages.

The Guardian - Books

Those seeking a larger helping of counterculture will soon be treated to biopics of Che Guevara (which premieres at Cannes next month and is directed by Steven Soderbergh and Harvey Milkk, the San Francisco gay politician who was murdered in 1978.

The Guardian - Film

In the end, each plan gets bumped up $5 for a slightly larger helping of data.

TechCrunch

So far General Musharraf has refused to eat so large a helping of humble pie.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "large helping of" to add emphasis when describing a generous portion of something, whether it's food, emotions, or abstract qualities. For instance, "The performance included a "large helping of" humor." This phrase works well in both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "large helping of" is acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in the same piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "generous portion", "substantial amount", or other context-appropriate alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large helping of" functions as a modifier to describe the quantity or extent of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate a generous or substantial amount, often in a figurative sense. Examples show it modifying both tangible items like "rice" and intangible concepts like "eccentricity" or "suspense".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "large helping of" is a common and correct way to describe a generous or substantial portion of something, as verified by Ludwig AI. While mainly used in news and media contexts, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more precise language in formal settings. Alternatives like "generous portion" or "substantial amount" can provide variety and maintain reader engagement. The phrase functions as a modifier, emphasizing abundance, and while generally neutral, leans slightly toward informal communication. Its frequent use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian further validates its acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generous portion of

Focuses on the size of the serving or amount.

substantial amount of

Emphasizes the quantity or degree of something.

considerable quantity of

Highlights the significant amount or number involved.

ample supply of

Suggests a plentiful or abundant amount is available.

significant dose of

Implies a notable or impactful amount is given or received.

good measure of

Indicates a satisfactory or sufficient quantity.

hefty amount of

Highlights a large or considerable sum or portion.

liberal quantity of

Suggests a generous or unsparing amount is provided.

copious amount of

Emphasizes the abundance or profusion of something.

plentiful supply of

Highlights a more than adequate amount being available.

FAQs

What does "large helping of" mean?

The phrase "large helping of" refers to a generous or substantial portion of something, often used figuratively to describe quantities of abstract things such as emotions or qualities.

What can I say instead of "large helping of"?

You can use alternatives like "generous portion of", "substantial amount of", or "considerable quantity of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "large helping of" in formal writing?

While "large helping of" is more common in informal contexts, it can be used in semi-formal or neutral writing to add emphasis. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise or technical terms.

How can I use "large helping of" in a sentence?

You can use "large helping of" to describe a generous amount of something. For example, "The movie had a "large helping of" suspense" or "The dish came with a "large helping of" rice".