loom large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loom large" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize how significant something is or how much it impacts a situation. For example, "The cost of the project loomed large as they had not planned for the extra expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Organ tones loom large.

The New York Times - Arts

Mussels loom large.

The New York Times - Arts

Two questions loom large.

The Washington Post

Urban scenes loom large.

The New York Times - Arts

Bankruptcy will then loom large.

The Economist

These problems certainly loom large.

The New York Times

Small mistakes suddenly loom large.

The New York Times - Sports

Family traditions loom large.

The New York Times

Race and class loom large.

Independent

Still, the hurdles loom large.

The New York Times

Tax issues always loom large.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loom large", consider the emotional tone you want to convey. The phrase often carries a sense of foreboding or importance, so ensure it aligns with the overall message.

Common error

Avoid using "loom large" when you simply want to express that something is big or large in physical size. The phrase is better suited for conveying importance, threat, or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loom large" functions primarily as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies something being of great importance, presence, power, or sway. It describes situations where matters of significance or potential threat become noticeably prominent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "loom large" is a versatile verb phrase used to emphasize the significant impact or potential threat of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase conveys a sense of importance and is suitable for formal communication. Alternatives such as "be prominent" or "be significant" can be used for similar meanings, but "loom large" carries a stronger connotation of foreboding or impending consequence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figure prominently

Highlights the degree to which something is present or important.

be prominent

Focuses on visibility and importance but lacks the implication of a looming threat.

be a major concern

Focuses on the aspect of worry or importance, specifically highlighting anxiety.

be significant

Highlights the importance but not necessarily the imposing or threatening aspect.

be important

Similar to "be significant" but with a slightly less formal tone.

dominate the scene

Emphasizes control and presence, suggesting a more active role.

carry weight

Emphasizes the influence and importance that something possesses.

cast a shadow

Implies a negative or threatening influence, highlighting the looming effect.

be uppermost

Highlights the precedence and priority of something.

stand out

Indicates prominence and distinctiveness, without necessarily implying a threat.

FAQs

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

You can use "loom large" to describe something that is significant, imposing, or potentially threatening. For example: "The issue of climate change continues to "loom large" in global discussions".

What does it mean when a problem "looms large"?

When a problem "looms large", it means it's becoming a significant concern or threat. It suggests the problem is difficult to ignore and may have serious consequences if not addressed.

Are there synonyms for "loom large" that don't imply a negative connotation?

Yes, alternatives like "be prominent", "be significant", or "figure prominently" can convey importance without necessarily implying a looming threat.

Is "loom large" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "loom large" is appropriate for formal writing. It's frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to emphasize the importance or potential impact of a subject.