they are big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are big" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the size of objects, animals, or people in a straightforward manner. Example: "The elephants at the zoo are impressive; they are big and majestic creatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are big organisations.

The Guardian

They are big personalities.

The New Yorker

And they are big.

The New York Times

And they are big markets.

The New York Times

Yes, they are big.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are big institutions.

The Guardian

But to farmers they are big.

The Economist

That's why they are big clubs".

Independent

They are big and physical up front.

The New York Times - Sports

Also, they are big business.

The New York Times

"They are big," he whispered.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are big" to clearly and directly describe the size or significance of something. Ensure the context provides enough information about what "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "they are big" in overly formal writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "substantial", "significant", or "considerable" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are big" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, attributing the quality of being large, significant, or important to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are big" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the size, scale, or importance of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. While frequently used in neutral contexts like news and media, it might be perceived as too informal for academic or scientific writing, where more precise synonyms like "substantial" or "significant" are preferable. The wide range of examples that Ludwig provides highlight the phrase's versatility and broad applicability in everyday language. When choosing between "they are big" and alternatives such as "they are large", consider the formality of the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are large

Uses a synonym for "big" to maintain a similar meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

they are huge

Emphasizes a greater degree of size compared to "big".

they are enormous

Similar to "huge", but often implies a more overwhelming or impressive size.

they are sizable

A more formal synonym for "big", indicating a noteworthy size.

they are massive

Suggests a great size and weight, often used for physical objects.

they are substantial

Focuses on the significant amount or size, often used in a more formal context.

they are immense

Implies a vast or enormous size, adding a sense of grandeur.

they are of great magnitude

A formal way to express that something is very large or important.

they are considerable

Highlights the importance or significance of something, rather than just physical size.

they are significant

Shifts the focus to the importance or impact, rather than just size.

FAQs

How can I use "they are big" in a sentence?

You can use "they are big" to describe the size, scale, or importance of something. For example, "The portions at that restaurant are huge; "they are big"".

What's the difference between "they are big" and "they are large"?

"They are big" and "they are large" are often interchangeable. "Large" may be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

What are some alternatives to "they are big"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "they are huge", "they are substantial", or "they are significant".

Is it appropriate to use "they are big" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they are big" might sound too informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated vocabulary like "substantial" or "considerable" instead.