larger than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "larger than usual" is correct and usable in written English.
You would generally use this phrase when you want to compare something to its usual size. For example, "The crowd at the concert was larger than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Mass before a congregation that was larger than usual.

The New York Times

This year, the gender gap was larger than usual.

The New York Times

However, Sanctum is a larger than usual abnegation of control.

Independent

They were larger than usual but still tender and briny.

The New York Times

One such change is the requirement for larger than usual amounts of the amino acid serine.

Cornell University

A false report that Radiohead would serenade the plaza drew a larger than usual crowd.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Astronomers have assumed that the large amount of coma activity (and corresponding total brightness) meant a larger-than-usual comet nucleus for comet C/1995 O1.

Harvard University

He also favors keeping a somewhat larger-than-usual portion of a bond portfolio in cash.

The New York Times

Imagine a larger-than-usual phone bill from calling the job centre or benefits agencies.

The Guardian - Opinion

This downturn is bringing a larger-than-usual decline in consumption by the wealthy.

The New York Times

The work involved exploring a somewhat larger-than-usual number of ontologies, structured vocabularies, and topic models.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sizes or quantities, use "larger than usual" to clearly indicate a deviation from the typical or expected amount. This provides context and helps the reader understand the significance of the increased size.

Common error

Avoid using "larger than usual" without providing a reference point. The reader needs to understand what the 'usual' size is for the comparison to be meaningful. Be specific about what is being compared and why it is noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "larger than usual" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that something exceeds its normal or expected size. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "larger than usual" is a versatile adjective phrase used to indicate that something exceeds its typical or expected size. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While the phrase is considered neutral in register, providing context is crucial for clarity. Alternatives such as "bigger than normal" or "greater than expected" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bigger than normal

Replaces "usual" with "normal", indicating a deviation from the standard size.

Larger than average

Substitutes "usual" with "average", focusing on statistical deviation.

More substantial than typical

Emphasizes the increased amount or size compared to what is typical.

Greater than expected

Shifts the focus to the expectation rather than the usual size.

Exceeding the standard size

Uses "exceeding" to highlight the act of surpassing the usual dimensions.

More expansive than ordinary

Replaces "usual" with "ordinary" and "larger" with "expansive", emphasizing the increased scope or extent.

Uncommonly large

Highlights the unusual nature of the large size.

Outsized compared to the norm

Uses "outsized" and "norm" to emphasize the deviation from the standard.

Significantly increased

Focuses on the increase in size without explicitly mentioning the usual size.

More voluminous than typical

Emphasizes volume rather than just size and replaces "usual" with "typical".

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "larger than usual"?

Use "larger than usual" when you want to emphasize that something is bigger, greater, or more extensive compared to its typical or expected size. For example, "The turnout for the meeting was "larger than usual" this year."

What are some alternatives to saying "larger than usual"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "bigger than normal", "larger than average", or "greater than expected" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "larger than usual" formal or informal?

"Larger than usual" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or scientific writing, you might consider more precise or technical language.

How can I avoid being too vague when using "larger than usual"?

To avoid vagueness, provide context or specify the standard of comparison. For example, instead of saying "The portion was "larger than usual"", say "The portion was larger than the usual serving size at this restaurant."