proportionately large

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proportionately large" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is large in relation to something else, often in a statistical or comparative context. Example: "The proportionately large number of participants in the study indicates a strong interest in the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Elephant saddles are proportionately large and resemble canopied pavilions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But all these countries have large populations with proportionately large diasporas spread across the world.

The Guardian

It is assumed that C and the traffic intensities are proportionately large.

Performance Evaluation

It is also a relatively large screech-owl, with a proportionately large head, but small ear-tufts.

Cornell University

Yet Windows is not a proportionately large cost in a PC, representing roughly $60, on average, of the total cost of a new machine.

The New York Times

Yet, curiously, funds that are in the middle or even near the bottom of those rankings do not typically suffer proportionately large outflows.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Funders should measure programmes proportionately: Large-scale funders using public money are very different from small-scale solidarity funds, so we shouldn't use the same rules for both.

The Guardian

Identifying proportionately larger cost categories may help focus cost control efforts.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

These results indicate a proportionately larger chest may be a protective factor in cervical spine fractures.

Injury

When total American output goes up, each individual quota gets proportionately larger.

The Economist

That is proportionately larger, at 12.7% of GDP, than the comparable exposure of Germany's banks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proportionately large", ensure you clearly establish what the size is being compared to, to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a proportionately large head compared to its body".

Common error

A common mistake is using "proportionately large" without specifying what the size is relative to. Always clarify the basis of comparison to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "The fine was proportionately large", say "The fine was proportionately large compared to the company's revenue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proportionately large" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun's size in relation to something else. Ludwig examples show it modifying things like 'head', 'eggs', 'outflows', 'petioles', and other measurable entities, indicating it describes a comparative magnitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proportionately large" is a useful adjectival phrase that describes a significant size relative to something else. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While "proportionately large" often appears in neutral and formal contexts, it’s crucial to specify the reference point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "relatively significant" and "comparatively substantial" offer subtle variations in emphasis. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively significant

Emphasizes the significance of the size in comparison to something else; focuses on importance rather than mere size.

comparatively substantial

Highlights the substantial nature of the size when viewed in comparison; stresses bulk and importance.

correspondingly sizable

Indicates a size that is in direct relation or proportion to something else; underlines the relationship.

commensurately big

Implies that the size is appropriate or fitting given a certain standard or expectation; suggests suitability.

appropriately ample

Suggests that the size is more than sufficient for a given purpose or context; stresses adequacy.

suitably extensive

Highlights that the size is well-suited for a specific requirement or role; implies suitability and scope.

noticeably greater

Focuses on the size difference being easily observable or evident; underlines visibility.

markedly larger

Emphasizes that the size difference is quite noticeable or distinct; stresses clear differentiation.

appreciably bigger

Indicates that the size is large enough to be easily recognized or measured; focuses on recognizability.

distinctly expanded

Highlights the expanded state or condition relative to a prior state; focuses on the change in size.

FAQs

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

Use "proportionately large" to describe something that is significantly sized in relation to something else. For example, "The country has a "relatively significant" amount of natural resources compared to its population density".

What are some alternatives to "proportionately large"?

Alternatives include "relatively significant", "comparatively substantial", or "correspondingly sizable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "proportionately large" or "relatively large"?

Both phrases are correct, but "proportionately large" suggests a direct mathematical relationship or ratio, whereas "relatively large" simply indicates a size comparison. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the proportional relationship or just general size comparison.

What does it mean when something is described as "proportionately large"?

It means that something is significant in size when considered in relation to something else. For example, a small company might have a "noticeably greater" market share relative to its overall revenue than a much larger competitor.