What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bulky
Example
The old television set was too bulky to fit in the small car. [bulky: adjective]
Example
She struggled to lift the bulky box onto the shelf. [bulky: adjective]
big
Example
He bought a big house with a spacious backyard. [big: adjective]
Example
She has a big collection of books. [big: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Big is more commonly used than bulky in everyday language. Big is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe size, quantity, or importance. On the other hand, bulky is less common and is specifically used to describe objects that are large and take up a lot of space.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bulky and big?
While big can be used in both formal and informal contexts, bulky is generally associated with a more technical or specific usage. It is often used in more formal or technical discussions when describing the size or dimensions of objects.