was a big help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a big help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express gratitude or acknowledge someone's assistance in a situation. Example: "Your advice during the project was a big help in meeting our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Freud was a big help," he recalled.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Kline said later that it was "a big help".

The New York Times

"Just knowing that support was there was a big help.

The New York Times

"If it was a big help, 9 of the top 10 would use it".

The New York Times - Sports

That was a big help, because it freed my way of thinking.

The Guardian

"After that," he said, "my legs were dead, so the delay was a big help.

The New York Times - Sports

"His inside knowledge and sense of authenticity was a big help.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It's a big help," she said.

The New York Times

I think that's a big help.

The New York Times

It is a big help.

The New York Times

That's a big help".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was a big help" to directly express gratitude for significant assistance received. It's straightforward and easily understood in most contexts.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "was a big help" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "was very helpful" or "was invaluable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a big help" functions as an expression of gratitude or acknowledgment of assistance. Ludwig examples show it often appears after receiving specific support or guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was a big help" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for acknowledging significant assistance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is particularly common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While effective, avoid overuse by exploring synonyms such as "was very helpful" or "was a great assistance" to maintain variety in your writing. Remember to use it to express genuine gratitude, making your communication more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was very helpful

Changes the adjective to emphasize the degree of assistance without the added weight of "big".

was extremely useful

Focuses on the utility of the assistance provided, highlighting its practical value.

was a great assistance

Replaces "help" with the more formal noun "assistance", suitable for professional contexts.

provided significant support

Shifts the focus to the act of providing support, emphasizing the magnitude of the support offered.

offered considerable aid

Uses "aid" as a synonym for help, adding a touch of formality and emphasizing the substantial nature of the assistance.

was invaluable

Highlights the irreplaceable value of the help provided, suggesting it was essential.

was a boon

Presents the help as a positive and beneficial event or circumstance.

was of great service

Emphasizes the helpful action as a service performed, suitable for formal or professional settings.

contributed significantly

Focuses on the contribution made, highlighting its importance to the overall outcome.

played a crucial role

Highlights the essential and decisive part the help played in achieving a specific result.

FAQs

How can I use "was a big help" in a sentence?

You can use "was a big help" to express gratitude for assistance received. For example, "Your advice on the project was a big help in meeting the deadline."

What can I say instead of "was a big help"?

You can use alternatives like "was very helpful", "was a great assistance", or "provided significant support" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was a big help"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "was a big help". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "was a big help"?

The phrase "was a big help" is appropriate in many contexts, from informal conversations to more formal writing, when you want to acknowledge someone's significant assistance. Just be mindful not to overuse it.