the bulk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the bulk" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but it generally refers to the majority or a large portion of something. Example: "The bulk of the work was completed last week, but there are still a few tasks left to finish." In this sentence, "the bulk" is used to describe the majority of the work that was completed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bulk density varies accordingly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bulk of it went to Russia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Geiger handles the bulk of myriad requests.

The New York Times - Sports

She did the bulk of it.

The New York Times

The bulk of it is done.

The New York Times

Q.Are offices the bulk of your portfolio?

The New York Times

Texas has seen the bulk of them.

The New York Times

The bulk of the protesters departed.

The New York Times

The bulk of Germany still thinks Nazi.

The New Yorker

How about the bulk itself?

The New York Times

The bulk of them are at Nassau Community College.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the bulk", ensure clarity by specifying what the bulk is comprised of. For instance, "The bulk of the evidence supports the claim."

Common error

Avoid using "the bulk" in contexts where a more precise measurement is needed. Using more quantitative terms like "80 percent" or "three-quarters" provides clarity when accuracy is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the bulk" primarily functions as a determiner + noun, specifying the major part or quantity of something. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it modifying nouns, as in "the bulk of the donations" or "the bulk of the show".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the bulk" is a versatile phrase used to denote the majority or largest portion of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is particularly frequent in news and media, but also appears in scientific and encyclopedic sources. When writing, it's best to specify what "the bulk" is referring to for clarity and to consider whether a more precise measurement is needed. Alternatives include ""the majority"" or ""the greater part"", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the majority

Emphasizes a numerical superiority; the largest portion.

the greater part

Highlights a significant portion, but not necessarily the absolute largest.

the main body

Suggests a primary or central component.

the largest portion

Directly indicates the biggest share.

the principal part

Stresses the most important element.

the lion's share

Implies a disproportionately large part.

the best part

Highlights the most desirable section.

the predominant section

Indicates what is most noticeable or common.

the essential segment

Emphasizes the fundamental or necessary part.

the significant amount

Focuses on the quantity, highlighting its importance.

FAQs

How can I use "the bulk" in a sentence?

You can use "the bulk" to refer to the majority or largest part of something. For example, "The bulk of the work was completed on Friday".

What phrases are similar to "the bulk"?

Similar phrases include "the majority", "the greater part", or "the largest portion", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a bulk" instead of "the bulk"?

While "bulk" can be a noun, using "a bulk" is less common when referring to the majority. "The bulk" is preferred for indicating the main part of something.

What is the difference between "the bulk" and "the mass"?

While both refer to a large quantity, "the mass" often implies a large, undifferentiated body, whereas "the bulk" suggests a major portion that may be distinct from the rest.