A large number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A large number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant quantity of something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "A large number of participants attended the conference, making it a great success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A large number of readers certainly did.

The Guardian

A large number of drinks are consumed.

The New Yorker

A large number of hands were raised.

The Guardian - Books

A large number of voters remain undecided.

The New York Times

A large number of armed police followed.

The Guardian

A large number of persons were killed.

The New Yorker

A large number of them were conservative.

The New York Times

A large number of young people also take private lessons.

The New York Times

"A large number of start-up companies are locating there.

The New York Times

A large number of homes were thoroughly and destructively searched.

The New York Times

A large number of these embryos already exist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broader audience, consider using simpler alternatives like "many" or "numerous" to maintain readability and avoid sounding overly formal.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "A large number of" can sound stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "lots of" or "many" to keep the tone appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A large number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating quantity. It modifies a noun to express that the noun exists in a considerable amount. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied contexts illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A large number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a significant quantity, suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's essential to consider the context to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "many" or "numerous" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone. Ludwig’s examples showcase its wide applicability, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A multitude of

Suggests a very large and diverse collection.

A great quantity of

Emphasizes the amount, focusing on the measurable aspect.

A plethora of

Implies an abundance, sometimes to the point of excess.

Countless

Emphasizes the inability to count the items due to their vast number.

A mountain of

Implies a large and overwhelming accumulation.

A significant amount of

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity.

A host of

Evokes a large and impressive gathering or collection.

Numerous

A more concise way to indicate a large quantity.

A good deal of

Indicates a substantial quantity, often in a less formal context.

Many

A simple and direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "A large number of" in a sentence?

You can use "A large number of" to indicate a significant quantity of something. For example, "A large number of students attended the lecture".

What can I say instead of "A large number of"?

You can use alternatives like "many", "numerous", or "a multitude of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "A large number of" or "A great number of"?

Both "A large number of" and "A great number of" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

Is "A large number of" formal?

Yes, "A large number of" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "many" or "lots of". It's suitable for academic, professional, or other formal writing contexts.