Largest, greatest or biggest

[Johnyxxx]

Hello,

Maybe sounds like a dumb question, but what should I use in describing a monumental battle? Largest, biggest or greatest?

Battle of Koniggratz was one of the largest/greatest/biggest of the 19th century because almost half a million soldiers fought on the battlefield.

Thank you very much

 

[bhaisahab]

"Battle of Koniggratz was one of the largest/greatest/biggest of the 19th century because almost half a million of soldiers fought on the battlefield."

Delete the "of" highlighted in red. All three of your suggestions could be used but I prefer "biggest".

 

[Raymott]

"The Battle of Koniggratz ..."
bloodiest
most well-attended

 

[SoothingDave]

I actually think "biggest" is the worst choice.

 

[SoothingDave]

"The Battle of Koniggratz ..."
bloodiest
most well-attended

I believe attendance was compulsory.

 

[Johnyxxx]

I actually think "biggest" is the worst choice.

What is the best one?

 

[SoothingDave]

I'd probably say "greatest." Especially if my side won.

 

[Skrej]

Personally, I think the best choice depends on what you're trying to emphasize.

If you're wanting to describe the number of soldiers involved, I'd choose 'biggest'.

If you wanted to describe the size of the battlefield or the ferocity of the fight, I'd probably choose 'largest'.

If you wanted to describe the result of winning the battle (from a victor's perspective), then I'd choose 'greatest'.

Those are just my opinions however, not absolute truths.

 

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Thank you very much for introducing me to the Battle of Koniggratz. I knew that Prussia and Austria had had a war, but I had never known the name of its decisive battle.

When you get some extra tiime, you may want to do what I did. I went to the "books" section of Google and typed in these words: Battle of Koniggratz greatest biggest largest battle.

Of course, I checked only a few dozen results: many used "largest"; some used "biggest"; and a few used "greatest." After you have read some results, you may get an idea as to which adjective pleases you the most. Here is one quotation that I found interesting:


"The great battle of 3 July, 1866 -- the greatest in point of numbers in the whole of the nineteenth century except the battle of Leipzig -- is ...."



Source: Andrew Hillard Atteridge, Famous Land Fights (1914).


P.S. Kindly remember a saying that goes something like this: There are no "dumb" questions, only "dumb" answers.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I can't imagine using well-attended for a battle. That makes it sound like a lecture or a garden party.

 

[Johnyxxx]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Thank you very much for introducing me to the Battle of Koniggratz. I knew that Prussia and Austria had had a war, but I had never known the name of its decisive battle.

You are welcome.