pretty large

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty large" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could write: "The crowd was pretty large for the outdoor concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His head is pretty large".

The New York Times

"The gap is still pretty large".

The New York Times

So that's a pretty large difference actually".

The Guardian

In other words, a pretty large chunk.

The Guardian - Opinion

The potential, he said, is "pretty large".

The New York Times

"It is a pretty large geographic area".

The New York Times

But that's still a pretty large disparity.

The Guardian

But there is one pretty large downside.

The Guardian - Tech

The number of colleges that teach astronomy is pretty large.

Cornell University

"It's pretty large and filled with antiques," the client said.

The New York Times

If they were countries, they would be pretty large economies.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty large" to describe something that is notably bigger than average but not exceptionally huge. It conveys a sense of considerable size without exaggeration.

Common error

While "pretty large" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal writing or presentations. Opt for more precise terms like "substantial", "significant", or "considerable" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty large" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the size or extent of something, indicating it is more than average but not exceptionally huge. It adds a degree of emphasis to the adjective "large".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pretty large" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something of considerable size or extent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a compound adjective and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise terminology in formal or technical writing. Alternatives like "moderately big" or "fairly substantial" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "pretty large", ensure it accurately reflects the intended scale without exaggeration. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively incorporate it into their vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately big

Replaces "pretty" with "moderately" and "large" with "big", softening the impact slightly.

considerably sized

Uses "considerably sized" to convey a significant size, emphasizing the measurement aspect.

fairly substantial

Substitutes "pretty large" with "fairly substantial", highlighting the amount or degree.

quite expansive

Replaces "pretty large" with "quite expansive", focusing on the extent or scope.

noticeably significant

Uses "noticeably significant" to emphasize that something is clearly important or of consequence due to its size.

reasonably extensive

Replaces "pretty large" with "reasonably extensive", stressing the broad coverage or range.

appreciably immense

Substitutes "pretty" with "appreciably" and "large" with "immense", intensifying the sense of size or scale.

somewhat vast

Uses "somewhat vast" to suggest a great extent or area, but with a slightly reduced emphasis.

moderately grand

Replaces "large" with "grand", focusing on impressiveness in addition to size.

measurably sizable

Uses "measurably sizable" to emphasize that something's size is quantifiable and noteworthy.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty large" to describe the size or extent of something. For example, "The company has a "pretty large" customer base" or "That's a "pretty large" amount of money to spend on a vacation".

What are some alternatives to saying "pretty large"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "moderately big", "fairly substantial", or "considerably sized".

Is it appropriate to use "pretty large" in formal writing?

While "pretty large" is generally understood, it's often better to use more formal alternatives like "significant", "substantial", or "extensive" in formal contexts.

What does "pretty large" imply about the size of something?

The phrase "pretty large" indicates that something is bigger than average but not extremely big. It suggests a size that is noticeable and considerable without being overwhelming.