big / great / large / little / small

Print topic Print topic Previous topic  Next topic

The words big and little have somewhat emotional connotations.

In technical documentation, use large and small instead.

Use great only for things that are especially large. Don’t use great as a synonym for very good or excellent (see also Don’t make judgments).

No:

The device has a big monitor.

Yes:

The device has a large monitor.

No:

Press the little red button.

Yes:

Press the small red button.

No:

A great way of doing this ….

Yes:

A good way of doing this ….

No:

This is a great example.

Yes:

This is an excellent example.