on a colossal scale

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a colossal scale" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means something is extremely large or of great magnitude. Example: The construction of the Great Wall of China was an engineering feat conducted on a colossal scale.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Financial disasters, like natural ones, destroy wealth, sometimes on a colossal scale.

The Economist

Here was empowerment on a colossal scale -- one man with the right machine could destroy a mountain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ruskin wrote on a colossal scale.

The New York Times - Arts

Eiko, while alone, already registers on a colossal scale.

The New York Times - Arts

It was carried out on a colossal scale.

The New York Times

This is no blip or accident; it is mismanagement on a colossal scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

US officials had uncovered money-laundering and sanctions-busting at HSBC on a colossal scale.

The Guardian

Nefertiti's famous head, with her high hat, was replicated on a colossal scale.

The Guardian - Arts

This relatively small conflict has the potential to destroy on a colossal scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was need for investment on a colossal scale in this country, Ford asserted, because the market had been transformed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The company, under the now departed founder Errol Damelin, was lending irresponsibly on a colossal scale.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a colossal scale" when you want to emphasize the sheer magnitude or impressiveness of something, especially when it involves significant resources, effort, or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "on a colossal scale" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its dramatic tone may sound exaggerated or out of place; instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "very large" or "huge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a colossal scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or entire clauses to describe the extent or magnitude of an action or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it emphasizes the size or impact of events, projects, or phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a colossal scale" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase to emphasize the extraordinary size or impact of an event, project, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples of its usage in various contexts. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral to formal register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "on a massive scale" or "on a vast scale", depending on the desired nuance and degree of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a massive scale

Focuses on the sheer size and weight, often implying a large undertaking.

on a gigantic scale

Emphasizes the enormous size, often used for dramatic effect.

on a huge scale

Similar to massive and gigantic, but with a slightly less formal tone.

on a vast scale

Highlights the extensive reach or scope.

on a monumental scale

Suggests impressiveness and historical significance.

on a grand scale

Emphasizes the ambitious and impressive nature.

on an immense scale

Highlights the great size and extent.

on a considerable scale

Indicates a significant, but not necessarily overwhelming, size.

on a large scale

A more general term for something big, lacking the dramatic impact.

on an extensive scale

Focuses on the widespread nature and coverage of something.

FAQs

How can I use "on a colossal scale" in a sentence?

Use "on a colossal scale" to describe something exceptionally large or significant. For example: "The project required an investment "on a colossal scale"." or "The impact of the invention was felt "on a colossal scale"".

What are some alternatives to "on a colossal scale"?

You can use alternatives such as "on a massive scale", "on a gigantic scale", or "on a vast scale", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "on a colossal scale" and "on a large scale"?

"On a large scale" simply indicates something is big. "On a colossal scale" implies something is exceptionally huge, impressive, and often impactful, suggesting a far greater magnitude than "on a large scale".

Is "on a colossal scale" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "on a colossal scale" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the immense size or impact of a subject. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise alternative if available, such as "on a monumental scale" for historical events.