size

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “size” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the dimensions of an object, or to compare the size of objects to each other. For example, “The toy was the size of a baseball, but the ball was the size of a grapefruit.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In retail banking, they haven't capitalized on the benefits of size (like lower borrowing costs) to cut prices for their customers, the way big retailers like Wal-Mart do.

The Economist

So, at a time when banks are failing with some regularity, the size and ubiquity of these big banks is reassuring.

The Economist

They're not trying to palm you off with dodgy clothes; it's just their particular method of stock keeping, but it's worth checking they've given you the right size.

The Guardian - Travel

"The extra space is about the size of Trafalgar Square," said Eavis.

The Guardian - Music

The after-dark madness that congregates around the fantasy areas of Shangri-la and Arcadia will be given more room than ever this year, with the festival ploughing in an extra £200,000 into the area, increasing its size by 10 acres.

The Guardian - Music

If completed, the currently nameless city would span 700 sq km (a space almost as big as Singapore), house a park double the size of New York's Central Park, and a theme park four times as big as Disneyland – all to be completed within five to seven years.

The Guardian

"There are inevitably real downsides when a country is two-thirds or a third of its former size," he said.

The Guardian

Davis's diminutive size kind of makes her the underdog in most of her matches, but underestimate her at your peril.

The Guardian - Sport

Not because I think a banking crash is just around the corner, but because of the size of that gulf between those right at the top of this city and everyone else.

The Guardian

According to the report: "The size of the benefit to families with children from the new child-care package is, in any case, much smaller in magnitude than the cuts proposed in the 2014‐15 budget which will still clearly leave families at the bottom end of the income spectrum significantly worse off in absolute and percentage terms.

The Guardian

The collection answers the endless questions of what to do with the tiny turnips, pink-flushed Florence onions, purple carrots and broad beans the size of a little finger that those of us who use box systems or shop at farmers' markets often find in our kitchens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing clothing, specify "size" using standard numerical or letter designations (e.g., size 10, size medium) for clarity.

Common error

While both relate to measurement, "size" generally refers to overall magnitude, whereas "dimension" specifies a particular aspect (e.g., height, width). Use "size" when referring to the overall extent and "dimension" when specifying a specific measurement.

Linguistic Context

The word "size" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the dimensions, magnitude, or extent of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe how big something is. For instance, Ludwig shows examples like "the "size" of the building" or specifying clothing sizes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "size" is a versatile noun used to describe the dimensions or magnitude of an object or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English writing, and its frequent appearance across diverse contexts—from News & Media to Formal & Business environments—underscores its relevance. This guide highlights that while "size" is a common term, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from similar terms like "dimension" for precise communication. Remembering this will help you use "size" effectively in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dimensions

Focuses on the measurable aspects of an object's extent in different directions, rather than its overall magnitude.

magnitude

Emphasizes the greatness or importance of something, often used for abstract concepts.

scale

Refers to the relative extent of something, often in comparison to a standard.

volume

Specifically indicates the amount of space that a three-dimensional object occupies.

area

Refers to the extent of a two-dimensional surface.

capacity

Indicates the amount something can contain.

bulk

Refers to the large size or volume of something, often implying heaviness.

extent

Indicates the range or scope of something, broader than physical dimensions.

proportions

Emphasizes the relative dimensions and balance of different parts of something.

measurement

The act of determining the size or quantity of something.

FAQs

How is "size" used in a sentence?

The word "size" is used to describe the dimensions or magnitude of something. For example: "The "size" of the building was impressive."

What other words can I use instead of "size"?

Alternatives to "size" include "dimensions", "magnitude", or "scale", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the size is big"?

While understandable, it's more concise and grammatically standard to say "the "size" is large" or "it is big".

What is the difference between "size" and "area"?

"Size" is a general term for magnitude, while "area" specifically refers to the extent of a two-dimensional surface. Therefore, you'd measure the "area" of a rug, and talk about the "size" of a room.