on a cosmic scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a cosmic scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, events, or phenomena that are vast or significant in the context of the universe or the cosmos. Example: "When considering the lifespan of stars, we must think on a cosmic scale to truly appreciate their existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Banks provided a heady mix of, on the one hand, action and intrigue on a cosmic scale (his books were often called "space operas"), and, on the other, ruminations on the clash of ideas and ideologies.

The Guardian - Books

Persistent and unrelenting disharmony, caused by diseases upon diseases emerging and reemerging amidst endless complicating factors, interferes in public health with their orderly conquest, one by one, in any kind of anticipated pattern or ratio on a cosmic scale.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

For a writer, that's deadline pressure on a cosmic scale.

The New York Times - Books

In its duration, as opposed to its diameter, the Earth demands to be measured on a cosmic scale.

The New York Times

On a cosmic scale, these superbubbles would give the gas the syrup-like behaviour that theorists require.

The Economist

The starting point in tracing planetary evolution is nucleosynthesis, the formation of the chemical elements on a cosmic scale.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Call it a severe case of gas--on a cosmic scale.

Huffington Post

On a less cosmic scale, a change in the domestic political climate has been critical, too.

The New York Times

Who knows what it all means on any cosmic scale, but Mike Tyson, genial and relaxed, had many opinions about many topics, preceded by this caveat: "I really don't mean much when I talk, the things I say.

The New York Times - Sports

It is also, on a more cosmic scale, the reason why matter has bulk; that is to say, all electrons cannot occupy the orbitals of lowest energy but are instead located in the many shells that are centred on the nucleus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather, it suggests natural selection working on a truly cosmic scale.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a cosmic scale" to emphasize the immense scope or significance of something, particularly when comparing it to human-centric scales. For example, "The energy released by a supernova is immense on a cosmic scale."

Common error

Avoid using "on a cosmic scale" when a smaller scale is more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Instead, consider phrases like "on a global scale" or "on a large scale" when discussing terrestrial events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a cosmic scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to specify the extent or perspective from which something is viewed. As shown by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes immensity and significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a cosmic scale" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the immense scope or significance of something when compared to the vastness of the universe. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, use it to highlight grand scopes, but be cautious not to overuse it, as that will diminish its impact. Instead, consider alternative expressions like "on a universal level" or "in the grand scheme of things" to better fit specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a universal level

Focuses on the all-encompassing nature, emphasizing inclusion rather than scale.

in the grand scheme of things

Highlights the overall perspective and relative importance within a larger context.

in the vastness of space

Directly refers to the expansive nature of space, emphasizing physical size.

from a cosmic perspective

Shifts the viewpoint to the universe, highlighting the observer's position.

on an astronomical scale

Uses astronomical, focusing only on space objects.

in cosmic terms

It focuses on the context to cosmic objects.

in the context of the universe

Emphasizes the setting to the universe.

in the immensity of the cosmos

Highlights the grandeur and unlimited nature of the cosmos.

viewed from the cosmos

It focuses on the perspective to cosmic objects.

concerning the universe

Focuses on universal objects.

FAQs

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

Use "on a cosmic scale" to describe events, phenomena, or perspectives that are significant in relation to the vastness of the universe. For example, "The expansion of the universe is a process that occurs "on a cosmic scale"".

What is a similar expression to "on a cosmic scale"?

Alternatives include "on a universal level", "in the grand scheme of things", or "in the vastness of space". The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "on a cosmic scale"?

It's appropriate when discussing phenomena related to the universe, such as the birth and death of stars, the formation of galaxies, or the long-term evolution of the cosmos. It helps to convey the immense scale and duration involved.

Is "on a cosmic scale" interchangeable with "on a large scale"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "on a large scale" typically refers to events or processes that are extensive but still within a human or terrestrial context. "On a cosmic scale" specifically relates to the universe and its vastness, making it more appropriate for astronomical or cosmological discussions.