big
large
Examples
3 of 5I want to live in a big house with many rooms.
I want to live in a large home with many rooms.
The government faces a big challenge regarding the new environmental policy.
The government faces a significant challenge regarding the new environmental policy.
Don't worry about the broken glass, it's not a big deal.
Don't worry about the broken glass, it's not an important matter.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Big' elephant. The word is short, but the object it describes is very large.
Quick Quiz
London is a very ____ city with millions of people.
Correct!
The correct answer is: big
Examples
I want to live in a big house with many rooms.
everydayI want to live in a large home with many rooms.
The government faces a big challenge regarding the new environmental policy.
formalThe government faces a significant challenge regarding the new environmental policy.
Don't worry about the broken glass, it's not a big deal.
informalDon't worry about the broken glass, it's not an important matter.
The data shows a big increase in energy consumption during the winter months.
academicThe data shows a substantial increase in energy consumption during the winter months.
Our company just landed a big contract with a major international client.
businessOur company just secured an important contract with a major international client.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the big picture
the entire perspective of a situation rather than the small details
a big heart
a very kind and generous personality
big mouth
a person who talks too much or cannot keep a secret
Often Confused With
'Tall' is used for height (vertical distance), while 'big' is used for general size or volume.
'Large' is more formal and used for physical scale, whereas 'big' is common in spoken English for size and importance.
Usage Notes
In English, 'big' is a very versatile word used for physical size and abstract importance. While common in speech, try to use more specific words like 'significant' or 'substantial' in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'He is big' to mean 'He is tall'. Remember that 'big' refers to overall bulk or width, not just height. Also, remember to double the 'g' when writing 'bigger' or 'biggest'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Big' elephant. The word is short, but the object it describes is very large.
Word Origin
From the Middle English word 'bigge', which likely comes from a Scandinavian or Old Norse source.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American culture, the phrase 'bigger is better' is often used to describe the preference for large portions, cars, and homes.
Quick Quiz
London is a very ____ city with millions of people.
Correct!
The correct answer is: big
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More grammar words
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