proportionally large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proportionally large" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing sizes, quantities, or values that are large in relation to something else, often in a comparative context. Example: "The budget for this project is proportionally large compared to previous years, indicating a significant increase in funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The head is proportionally large with small ears, a wide mouth, and a bare, moist muffle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also, the fact that Pluto has a proportionally large moon of its own makes the escape idea implausible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the early 21st century, Cambodia was at peace, but its proportionally large armed forces imposed an enormous burden on national resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The so-called sugar pumpkin, a popular culinary item in New England, is similar in shape and color to a jack-o'-lantern but is smaller, about the size of a cantaloupe, and with a proportionally large stem.

The New York Times - Food

However the really big tyrannosaurs (a clade called the tyrannosaurines) were all very similar in general morphology: they were big (8 metres long and upwards), heavy animals (multiple tons) with reduced hands, bull necks and proportionally large skulls and big teeth.

The Guardian

The great north-south extent, relatively broad areas of continental shelf, proportionally large runoff from land, and circulation patterns are all factors that have given the Atlantic a proliferation of plant (i.e., algae) and animal species that is second only to that of the Pacific among the world's oceans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

And profits from the large trades therefore have a proportionally larger impact on other investors in the pool".

The New York Times

The cuts will be proportionally larger in states that take longer to start making them.

The New York Times

Payments are meant to provide a proportionally larger monthly income for lower earners than for higher earners.

The New Yorker

For example, the heads of hatchling lizards of some species tend to be proportionally larger than the heads of adults.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A memory and emotional center, the hippocampus, was proportionally larger in women, so Ms. Nykoliation concluded that women would look for characters they could empathize with.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proportionally large", ensure that the relationship being described is clear. Specify what the size is proportional to for maximum clarity. For instance, "The brain is proportionally large for its body size" is clearer than just "The brain is proportionally large."

Common error

Avoid using "proportionally large" without establishing a clear point of reference. Saying "The cost was proportionally large" is vague. Instead, specify what it was large in relation to, such as "The cost was proportionally large compared to the initial budget."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proportionally large" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating its size or extent relative to something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates the size is significant in relation to another factor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

21%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proportionally large" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something significant in size or extent relative to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the point of reference is clearly established. Alternatives like "relatively big" or "comparatively sizable" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively big

Focus shifts to general size with "relatively", omitting the precise proportional aspect.

comparatively sizable

Emphasizes a comparison in size, using a slightly more formal tone.

correspondingly substantial

Highlights the direct relationship between the proportion and the size, with a more formal tone.

appropriately significant

Indicates that the size is fitting or suitable for a given context, emphasizing importance more than size.

measurably considerable

Focuses on the ability to quantify a large amount, with a more formal or technical feel.

remarkably extensive

Highlights the breadth or scope of something that is large, rather than its direct proportion.

noticeably ample

Emphasizes that there is plenty of something, making it noticeable but less focused on proportions.

markedly broad

Indicates a wide scope or range, changing the focus from quantity to dimension.

appreciably vast

Emphasizes that something is very large and easily noticed, with a touch of awe.

proportionate to its size

This alternative is a more descriptive phrasing.

FAQs

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

Use "proportionally large" to describe something that is significant in size or amount relative to something else. For example: "The sugar pumpkin has a "proportionally large" stem."

What is a good substitute for "proportionally large"?

Alternatives include "relatively big", "comparatively sizable", or "correspondingly substantial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "proportionally large" or "disproportionately large"?

"Proportionally large" implies a size that is in suitable relation to something else. "Disproportionately large" suggests the size is excessive or inappropriate in relation to something else. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the relationship you're describing.

What does "proportionally large" mean in a mathematical context?

In mathematics, "proportionally large" would imply that as one quantity increases, another related quantity increases by a significant amount, maintaining a certain ratio or relationship. The amount is considered substantial in the relationship.