massive thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "massive thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or concept that is large in size or significance. Example: "The massive thing in the center of the room turned out to be an ancient sculpture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a massive thing".

Independent

It's a massive thing.

The Guardian - Music

"Football is a massive thing in Manchester.

The Guardian - Sport

"But the Ashes is a massive thing.

The Guardian - Sport

"Contracts have been a massive thing," said Unitt.

Independent

"One small mistake from somebody, and there's a massive thing".

The New York Times - Sports

The tackle area is a massive thing for them.

Independent

"That was a massive thing to take away.

The Guardian - Sport

If you're arguing with someone it's a massive thing.

The Guardian

"This is a massive thing that's going on.

The New Yorker

It's a massive thing to have that good atmosphere".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "massive thing" to emphasize the scale or impact of something, but consider more specific vocabulary if precision is needed. For example, use "major undertaking" or "significant matter" depending on the context.

Common error

While "massive thing" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "significant issue" or "substantial factor" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "massive thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe an object, event, or concept of considerable size, impact, or importance. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "massive thing" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the significant size, impact, or importance of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sport. While generally neutral in register, it is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts than highly formal writing. For formal communication, consider alternatives like "significant issue" or "substantial factor". Ludwig's analysis and examples show that understanding its usage and context can help refine your writing and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant matter

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the issue at hand.

substantial issue

Highlights the considerable size or impact of the problem or concern.

major undertaking

Refers to a project or task that is large and complex.

large-scale operation

Indicates an activity involving many resources and people.

considerable factor

Stresses the importance of something in influencing an outcome.

enormous deal

Highlights the great importance or impact of something.

major development

Indicates a significant event or change.

grand phenomenon

Refers to a remarkable or impressive occurrence.

big deal

A more informal way to express that something is very important or significant.

monumental event

Emphasizes the lasting importance and impact of a particular occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "massive thing" in a sentence?

You can use "massive thing" to describe something of great importance, size, or impact. For instance, "The new stadium construction is a "massive thing" for the local economy."

What are some alternatives to "massive thing"?

Alternatives include "significant matter", "substantial issue", or "major undertaking", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "massive thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "massive thing" might sound informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives such as "significant issue" or "considerable factor".

How does the connotation of "massive thing" compare to "big deal"?

"Massive thing" generally implies a greater scale or impact compared to "big deal", which can sometimes be used sarcastically or to minimize importance. "Massive thing" suggests something genuinely large or significant, while "big deal" can be more subjective.