the size of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the size of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare the size of one object to another. For example: "The size of the building was three times larger than the size of the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The size of it.

The New York Times

The size of the gift?

The New York Times - Arts

Oh, the size of him!

Independent

Alligators the size of skyscrapers!

The New York Times - Arts

The size of the con?

The New Yorker

Caterpillars the size of snakes.

The New York Times - Books

The size of the group?

The New York Times

The size of the container is important.

The New York Times

A city the size of Chicago, understored?

The New York Times

That is the size of it.

The New Yorker

The size of these windfalls is unclear.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, ensure the objects of comparison are clearly defined. For instance, use "the size of the room" rather than just "the size".

Common error

Avoid using "the size of" vaguely without specifying what is being measured. For example, instead of saying "The size was impressive", specify "The size of the crowd was impressive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the size of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to specify or compare the dimensions, magnitude, or extent of a particular object or concept. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the size of" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to specify dimensions or magnitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found across various sources, particularly in Wiki, News & Media, and Science contexts. To ensure clarity, it’s best practice to always specify what is being measured. While alternative phrases like "the dimensions of" or "the extent of" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Avoiding vague usage will also improve the overall impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the dimensions of

Emphasizes specific measurements or spatial extent instead of a general comparison of largeness.

the magnitude of

Focuses on the importance or impact of something rather than its physical dimensions.

the extent of

Highlights the scope or range of something abstract, such as damage or influence.

the scope of

Similar to extent, but often used when discussing the breadth of a project or problem.

the scale of

Emphasizes proportionality and relative size within a system or context.

the volume of

Specifically refers to the amount of space occupied, often used for liquids or gases.

the area of

Refers to the two-dimensional surface covered by something.

the proportion of

Focuses on the ratio or relative amount of something compared to a whole.

the capacity of

Highlights the ability of something to contain or hold a certain amount.

the measurement of

Indicates a precise quantification of dimensions or properties.

FAQs

How can I use "the size of" in a sentence?

Use "the size of" to specify the dimensions or magnitude of something, as in, "The size of the exhibit was overwhelming", or "Consider "the size of the group" when planning activities".

What are some alternatives to "the size of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the dimensions of", "the magnitude of", or "the extent of".

Is it ever incorrect to use "the size of"?

It is generally correct, but avoid using it vaguely. Always ensure you specify what you're measuring the size of. For instance, say "the size of the hard drive" instead of just "the size".

How does "the size of" differ from "the dimension of"?

"The size of" generally refers to overall magnitude, while "the dimension of" is more specific, indicating length, width, or height.