some big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some big" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in informal contexts, but it typically requires additional context or a noun to clarify what is being referred to as "big." Example: "I have some big plans for the weekend."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are some big events.

Independent

Some big names stayed away.

The Economist

He's hit some big ones".

The New York Times - Sports

Some big questions remain, though.

The New York Times - Science

They included some big ones.

The Economist

He had some big successes.

The Economist

"There are some big shocks.

Independent

Jokowi faces some big challenges.

The Economist

There are some big questions.

The Economist

Some big businesses are worried.

The New York Times

Those are some big words".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "some big" is often used colloquially, always ensure clarity by adding a noun that specifies what is "big". For example, instead of just saying "some big", say "some big problems", "some big events" or "some big challenges".

Common error

Avoid using "some big" without a clarifying noun. This can lead to vagueness and confusion. Always specify what is being described as "big" to maintain clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some big" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, intending to describe a noun by indicating both quantity and size or significance. However, it requires a noun to complete its function effectively. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not fully correct without a following noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "some big" is a common but grammatically questionable pre-modifier. While frequently used, it requires a following noun to provide clarity and context. According to Ludwig, the phrase without a noun is considered grammatically incorrect. It is most often found in news and media sources, serving to highlight the quantity and magnitude of something. For clarity and grammatical correctness, it's essential to always specify the noun being described, like "some big" problems or "some big" challenges. Alternatives like "several significant" or "a few large" may be more appropriate in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few large

Substitutes "some" with "a few" and "big" with "large" to maintain a similar meaning.

several significant

Replaces "some big" with synonyms that emphasize importance and quantity.

significant sizable

Implies importance and considerable size or amount.

notable important

Focuses on the noteworthiness and impact.

major considerable

Focuses on importance and size.

considerable major

Emphasizes the magnitude and importance of something.

remarkable prominent

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and visibility.

a number of significant

Highlights a certain number of things that are important.

certain substantial

Highlights the definiteness and significance.

impressive substantial

Highlights the admirable quality and size.

FAQs

How to use "some big" in a sentence?

The phrase "some big" should always be followed by a noun to clarify its meaning. For instance, you might say "some big challenges" or "some big surprises" to provide context.

What can I say instead of "some big"?

Alternatives include phrases like "several significant", "a few large", or "considerable major", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "some big" or "some large"?

While both are used, "some large" might be considered slightly more grammatically standard. However, the key is to always specify the noun being described, such as "some large issues".

What's the difference between "some big" and "a few big"?

"A few big" typically implies a smaller quantity than "some big". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a limited number or a general quantity of something large.