large person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "large person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a bigger physical stature or size. Example: "At the party, I noticed a large person who seemed to be enjoying the festivities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He's a very large person who throws the shot.

The New York Times - Sports

When Brown entered the eatery, he received some stares, since he is a rather large person.

The New York Times - Sports

Go to third driver, also large person, suitable for night driving, but with good English.

The New Yorker

"We're not talking about a large person, whoever this is," Lieutenant Williams said by telephone today.

The New York Times

"You'd be amazed at how the large person blasts through that restraint," he said.

The New York Times

As a large person myself, I have to hope that he is less confused than his play.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

In a discussion on reliability of performance assessments, Brennan concludes that reliability issues are due to "the combined effect of large person-task interactions and small numbers of tasks" (emphasis is original, p. 308).

Language Testing in Asia

Incomplete mortality ascertainment leads to an underestimation of mortality rates mainly because the total number of deaths is too small (not all deaths are counted) and because the total person-time is too large (person-time under observation is not stopped without a date of death).

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The mini mal is a great all rounder and suitable for small to large persons and provides for all beginner to intermediate surfers.

WikiHow

It was designed for a larger person; the neck joint came up to my nose.

The New York Times - Science

She is tiny, but with some features - nose, jaw, hands - that seem sized for a larger person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "large person", consider the context and your audience. If weight is not the primary factor, focus on height or build instead. Terms like "tall" or "sturdy" may be more appropriate and less likely to cause offense.

Common error

Avoid using overly euphemistic or insensitive terms when describing someone's size. While terms like "big-boned" are sometimes used to soften the description, they can sound dismissive or sarcastic. Be direct and respectful, focusing on neutral descriptions of height or build when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "large" modifies the noun "person". It serves to describe an individual's physical size and is generally used in descriptive contexts, as illustrated by Ludwig in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "large person" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe someone of considerable size. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "large person" serves as a descriptive and relatively neutral term, it's important to be mindful of potential sensitivities and choose more specific or less direct alternatives like "tall person" or "heavyset person" depending on the specific characteristic you want to convey and the relationship with the audience. Choosing the correct words will allow you to be respectful and avoid potentially insensitive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

big individual

Replaces "person" with "individual", which is a more formal term. This phrase emphasizes the individual's size.

overweight person

Specifically refers to a person whose weight is above the healthy range. This term focuses on weight as the primary characteristic.

heavyset person

Describes someone with a sturdy or solid build. This term is generally considered more polite than "overweight".

corpulent individual

A more formal and somewhat clinical term for someone who is obese. This phrase implies a significant amount of excess weight.

stout person

Describes someone who is broad and heavily built. This term often refers to someone of shorter stature.

tall person

Focuses specifically on height rather than overall size. This phrase is appropriate when height is the relevant characteristic.

big boned person

An idiom used to suggest that someone's size is due to their bone structure rather than excess weight. It is often used as a euphemism.

husky individual

Suggests a strong and heavily built person, often implying muscularity as well as size.

substantial figure

Uses "figure" instead of "person" and "substantial" to imply considerable size and presence. This is a more descriptive and less direct term.

well-built person

Suggests a person with a large and strong physique. It can sometimes imply muscularity.

FAQs

What are some less direct ways to describe a "large person"?

Depending on the specific attribute you want to highlight, you could use terms like "tall person" if you're referring to height, or "heavyset person" if you're referring to build. The most appropriate term depends on the specific context.

Is it impolite to refer to someone as a "large person"?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. While "large" is generally considered more neutral than terms like "fat", it's still important to be mindful of potential sensitivities. Consider whether the person's size is relevant to the conversation and whether a more specific term like "tall person" or "stout person" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "large person" and "overweight person"?

"Large person" is a more general term that can refer to height, build, or overall size. "Overweight person" specifically refers to someone whose weight is above the healthy range. Therefore, "overweight person" is more specific and focuses on health implications.

What's a more formal alternative to "large person"?

A more formal alternative could be "corpulent individual", although this term is rather clinical. Alternatively, describing their specific traits such as "a person of considerable stature" can also be used.