larger

USAGE SUMMARY

'larger' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as an adverb to describe the degree or extent to which something is greater than something else. For example, "The new house was a lot larger than the last one we lived in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A much larger man tried to assault Ayarci, 26, and had to be stopped by other "Obamacare" opponents.

The Guardian

Last June, the IPCC Fifth Assessment report warned of larger "near-term increases in seasonal mean and annual mean temperatures" in the region.

The Guardian

In recent years, about a third of BME housing associations have disappeared, merging with other associations, shutting down or being swallowed by larger mainstream organisations.

The Guardian

Male Conservative MPs voted against equal marriage in larger numbers proportionally than their female colleagues, according to a breakdown of the voting figures after the historic debate in parliament.

The Guardian

The debt write-off has to be larger – probably at least 50%.

The Guardian - Business

On an underlying basis, as measured by earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, the Guardian and Observer lost £22m, but the cash loss, a more accurate measure of financial performance, was larger at £33m.

The Guardian

The no side headed into spring in nervous mood as polls showed that a larger number of people agreed with Salmond's assessment that they were bluffing.

The Guardian

At the start of the year it controlled a swath of territory larger than Belgium in the north-east of the country.

The Guardian

I wonder if we would look similar in the eyes of some larger being, preoccupied with our own esoteric labours and rituals.

The Guardian

We don't know precisely how quickly syncing over Wi-Fi and especially 3G will work (especially with larger photos from the newer iPhone 4S).

The Guardian - Tech

Most of the affected turkeys have been larger male toms rather than the smaller hens usually served at the annual holiday dinner.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "larger" when comparing two things in terms of size, quantity, or extent. Be sure to use "than" to complete the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "larger" when you mean "largest". "Larger" compares two items, while "largest" identifies the biggest item in a group of three or more.

Linguistic Context

The word "larger" functions primarily as a comparative adjective, modifying nouns by indicating a greater size, extent, or amount. Ludwig examples show it being used to compare quantities, areas, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "larger" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative adjective that signifies a greater size or extent when comparing two items. Ludwig AI confirms that "larger" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English. Commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral formality suitable for diverse writing styles. Related alternatives include "bigger", "greater", and "more extensive", offering writers varied options to express comparative size or magnitude. When using "larger", ensure you are indeed comparing two items and not describing the greatest in a set of three or more, and always complete the comparison using "than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bigger

Synonymous, but often used in more informal contexts.

greater

Indicates a higher degree or extent, applicable in abstract contexts as well as physical size.

more extensive

Emphasizes the scope or range being increased.

more substantial

Implies a greater amount or significance.

increased

Focuses on the action of becoming bigger.

expanded

Suggests a growth in size or scope, often used for businesses or areas.

more considerable

Highlights the noteworthiness of the increased size or amount.

amplified

Suggests a significant increase in intensity or volume, as well as size.

enhanced

Emphasizes improvement through increase in size or quality.

superior

Implies that an increase in size or scope leads to a position of advantage or quality.

FAQs

How is "larger" used in comparative sentences?

"Larger" is used to compare two items, indicating that one is greater in size, amount, or degree than the other. For example, "This room is "larger than" the previous one".

What are some alternatives to using "larger"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "bigger", "greater", or "more extensive".

When should I use "larger" instead of "biggest" or "largest"?

Use "larger" when comparing only two items. Use "biggest" or "largest" when referring to the greatest size among three or more items.

Is it ever incorrect to use "larger"?

It is incorrect to use "larger" if you intend to describe the greatest size among more than two items. In that case, use "largest". Also, ensure you use "than" to complete the comparison when using "larger".