not very big

USAGE SUMMARY

"not very big" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it anytime you are describing something as being of a small size or capacity. For example: "The apartment was not very big, but it was cozy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Marta is not very big.

The New York Times - Sports

He is not very big.

Independent

Answer: not very big.

The New York Times

But that world is not very big.

The New York Times

The second bedroom is not very big.

The New York Times

It's not very big, England.

The New York Times - Arts

Guess what -- it's not very big.

The New York Times

Luckily, their actors are not very big.

The New York Times

They were not very big on most holidays.

The New Yorker

CONS: The kitchen is dated and not very big.

The New York Times

We always eat out but we're not very big eaters.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical dimensions, use "not very big" to provide a relatable sense of scale. This is useful when absolute measurements might not be meaningful to the audience.

Common error

While "not very big" is acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "relatively small", "compact", or more descriptive terms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very big" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun by describing its size. It indicates that something is smaller than average or expected. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very big" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something as being smaller than expected or average. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it offers a neutral and accessible way to provide a sense of scale. While versatile, remember to use varied language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "relatively small" or "compact" for stylistic diversity. Ultimately, "not very big" serves as a useful tool for conveying size in a relatable manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively small

Uses "relatively" to emphasize the small size in comparison to something else.

not particularly large

Emphasizes the lack of largeness rather than directly stating smallness.

moderately sized

Implies a size that is neither large nor extremely small.

on the smaller side

A more conversational way of indicating that something is small.

fairly compact

Suggests a small size combined with efficient use of space.

somewhat limited

Focuses on the limited nature or scope rather than physical size.

of modest dimensions

A more formal way to describe something as small in size.

not overly expansive

Highlights that something does not cover a lot of area.

rather petite

Implies daintiness or delicacy in addition to small size; most often used for objects or people

diminutive in scale

Emphasizes the small scale or scope of something, often used in a formal or technical context.

FAQs

How can I use "not very big" in a sentence?

You can use "not very big" to describe the size of various objects, spaces, or even abstract concepts. For example, "The apartment was "not very big", but it had a great view" or "The impact of the decision was "not very big"".

What are some alternatives to "not very big"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "relatively small", "compact", "moderately sized", or "on the smaller side".

Is it always appropriate to use "not very big" in formal writing?

While "not very big" is generally acceptable, it might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "of modest dimensions" or "relatively small" in such situations.

What's the difference between "not very big" and "not particularly big"?

"Not very big" and "not particularly big" are quite similar, but "not particularly big" may suggest a slightly stronger emphasis on the lack of size. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.