29/120 Mistakes not to make during 2025

 29. Big, large and great 

We use big and large with concrete nouns - the names of objects which we can see or touch. In an informal style, big is more common than large. 

 • He has got big / large feet. 

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

We use great with abstract nouns - the names of things which we cannot see or touch.

 • I think it was a great mistake. 

• I have great respect for him. 

In an informal style big is also used with countable abstract nouns. Large is not used with abstract nouns. 

• I think it was a big mistake. (BUT NOT I think it was a large mistake.)

 None of these three words are used with uncountable nouns. 

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