substantially bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially bigger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly larger in size or amount compared to something else. Example: "The new building is substantially bigger than the old one, providing more space for the growing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a large photograph (substantially bigger than the photograph in The Boston Globe, which is already quite substantial) and a caption.

The New York Times

Such a policy needn't make government substantially bigger.

The New York Times

When the rangers arrived by helicopter at the poachers' camp, it proved substantially bigger than anticipated.

The New Yorker

Worse, the likely reaction in the bond market to a substantially bigger deficit would be negative.

The New York Times

In addition, the legislation would allow the agency to impose substantially bigger fines.

The New York Times

O'Reilly soon reclaimed his lead, and his total audience was always substantially bigger.

The New Yorker

Overall, the richest will take a substantially bigger cut to their incomes.

The Guardian - Opinion

I first heard Dye's name while sailing in a substantially bigger boat to St Kilda.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1847, some 56,000 people had attended its opening, a figure substantially bigger than the town's then population.

The Guardian - Books

Not necessarily: a number of economists, myself included, think the plan falls short and should be substantially bigger.

The New York Times

The Afghan army is growing, but it will need to be substantially bigger than the planned 80,000.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, clarify the specific aspect (volume, area, length) to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The new container is substantially bigger in volume than the previous one."

Common error

Avoid using "substantially bigger" without providing context or comparison. Add specifics if possible. For example, instead of "The project's budget is substantially bigger", specify "The project's budget is substantially bigger, having increased by 30%."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially bigger" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically describing the degree to which something is larger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression. It is formed by the adverb "substantially" modifying the adjective "bigger".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantially bigger" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates a significant difference in size or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize the degree of difference. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. Related alternatives include "considerably larger" and "significantly greater". To maximize clarity, it's best practice to quantify the difference when possible. Its frequent use in authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably larger

This alternative emphasizes the degree of difference in size.

significantly greater

This alternative highlights the importance or impact of the difference.

appreciably larger

This alternative suggests that the difference is easily noticeable.

markedly larger

This alternative stresses that the difference is clearly evident.

noticeably bigger

This alternative points out that the difference is easily observed.

vastly larger

This alternative indicates a very large difference in size.

substantially greater in size

This alternative provides a more descriptive and formal expression.

considerably more expansive

This alternative suggests a larger scale or scope.

materially bigger

This alternative is generally used in professional contexts to emphasize that the difference is economically relevant.

a good deal larger

This alternative is more informal and conversational.

FAQs

How can I use "substantially bigger" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially bigger" to describe something that is significantly larger in size, amount, or degree compared to something else. For example, "The new office space is "substantially bigger" than our previous location".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "substantially bigger"?

Alternatives to "substantially bigger" include "considerably larger", "significantly greater", or "noticeably bigger", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "substantially bigger" a formal or informal phrase?

"Substantially bigger" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, you might consider more precise alternatives like "significantly larger" or "considerably greater".

What's the difference between "substantially bigger" and "slightly bigger"?

"Substantially bigger" implies a significant difference in size or amount, whereas "slightly bigger" suggests a minimal difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you wish to convey.