English Grammar

Big, large and great

Big and large are used mostly with concrete nouns – the names of things you can see, touch etc.

• They have a big/large house in the city.

Great is used mostly with abstract nouns - things you cannot see, touch etc.

• It was a great mistake.
• I have great respect for her ideas.

Big can be used with countable abstract nouns in an informal style. Large is not used with abstract nouns.

• You are making a big mistake. (NOT …a large mistake.)

With uncountable concrete nouns, none of these words can be used.

• You have got a lot of luggage. (NOT … big/large/great luggage.)

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