the larger of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the larger of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when comparing two or more items to indicate the one that has a greater size, amount, or value. Example: "When comparing the two numbers, we will take the larger of the two for our calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CBS is by far the larger of the two networks.

The New York Times

The larger of the two is closer to its star.

The New York Times

The larger of the two security guards takes the wheel.

The Guardian

Phobos is the larger of the two moons of Mars.

The New Yorker

Only the larger of the two is decorated.

The Guardian - Travel

A minute later, we were joined by the larger of the two men.

The Guardian

But there was no question that the economy was the larger of the two factors.

The New York Times

Hours later, the larger of the party's feuding factions nominated Mr. Buchanan as its presidential candidate.

The New York Times

Serbia is the larger of the two republics that make up the current Yugoslavia.

The New York Times

The larger of the two, the Pyramid of the Sun, is 70m high.

The Guardian - Travel

By far the larger of the two clings to the traditional faith in stock-market investing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the larger of" when a simple comparison of size is needed. For more complex comparisons, consider alternatives like "more significant" or "more influential".

Common error

Avoid using superlative forms (e.g., largest) when comparing only two items. "The larger of" is appropriate; "the largest of" implies there are three or more items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the larger of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically used for comparative identification. It pinpoints one item out of two by indicating its greater size, amount, or extent. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains showcasing its role in selecting the bigger entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the larger of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for comparing two items based on size or magnitude. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for various contexts. When writing, ensure you are comparing only two items to avoid misusing superlatives. For alternative phrasing, consider "the greater of" or "the bigger of", depending on the desired emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the bigger of

Replaces "larger" with "bigger", a more informal synonym.

the greater of

Substitutes "larger" with "greater", emphasizing magnitude or importance.

the more substantial of

Uses "more substantial" to highlight significant size or impact.

the more significant of

Replaces "larger" with "more significant", highlighting importance rather than size.

the more considerable of

Uses "more considerable" to convey a noteworthy difference in size or importance.

the more extensive of

Uses "more extensive" to suggest a greater range or scope.

the principal of

Replaces "larger" with "principal", emphasizing the primary or most important one.

the major of

Substitutes "larger" with "major", indicating a primary or more important entity.

the dominant of

Substitutes "larger" with "dominant", suggesting superiority or control.

the senior of

Suggests hierarchy or experience, instead of just dimension

FAQs

How do I use "the larger of" in a sentence?

Use "the larger of" to compare two items based on size, amount, or value. For example, "Identify the larger of the two numbers."

What's a more formal alternative to "the larger of"?

A more formal alternative could be "the greater of", which emphasizes magnitude or importance. For example, "The greater of the two factors influenced the decision."

When should I use "the larger of" versus "the biggest of"?

"The larger of" is suitable when comparing two items. "The biggest of" is appropriate when comparing three or more items. Choose the phrase based on the number of items you are comparing.

What can I say instead of "the larger of" to emphasize importance rather than size?

To emphasize importance, use alternatives like "the more significant of" or "the principal of". These phrases shift the focus from physical size to importance.