A multitude of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A multitude of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number or variety of something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The festival attracted a multitude of visitors from all over the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A multitude of things.

The New York Times - Sports

A multitude of questions and doubts arises.

The New York Times - Arts

A multitude of characters.

The New York Times

A multitude of measures have been tested along the way.

The Guardian - Opinion

A Multitude of Sins (short story collection, 2002).

The Guardian - Books

A MULTITUDE OF SINS: Stories, by Richard Ford.

The New York Times - Books

A multitude of tasks await me — telephone calls, errands.

The New Yorker

A multitude of barriers can prevent women from accessing contraception.

The Guardian

A multitude of research corroborates their skepticism.

Huffington Post

#TrumpBible Love covers a multitude of sins.

The New Yorker

It served a multitude of purposes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a multitude of" to add emphasis and formality when describing a large number or variety. For example, "A multitude of factors contributed to the company's success" conveys more weight than "Many factors contributed to the company's success".

Common error

Avoid using "a multitude of" in informal contexts or when simpler alternatives like "many" or "several" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound pretentious or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a large number or a great quantity. It modifies a noun, specifying that there are many instances of it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently used in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a multitude of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed quantifier used to denote a large number or variety of items, as verified by Ludwig AI. While it appears most often in news and media contexts, its formality makes it suitable for a variety of writing styles. When writing, consider whether the added emphasis of "a multitude of" is necessary, or whether simpler alternatives like "many" or "several" might suffice. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing to add clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A great number of

Replaces "multitude" with a more common term, reducing formality.

A large quantity of

Emphasizes the amount, suitable for measurable items.

An abundance of

Highlights the plentiful nature of something.

A plethora of

Suggests an excessive or overwhelming amount.

A wide array of

Focuses on the diversity and range of items.

A vast amount of

Emphasizes the scale or size of the quantity.

Numerous

A single-word adjective indicating a large number.

Countless

Implies that something is too many to be counted.

A host of

Suggests a gathering or collection of items or people.

Innumerable

Similar to countless, but slightly more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "a multitude of" in a sentence?

Use "a multitude of" to describe a large number or variety of things. For example, "A multitude of options are available to you" or "A multitude of reasons explain the project's failure".

What are some alternatives to "a multitude of"?

You can use phrases like "a great number of", "a large quantity of", "an abundance of", or simply "many" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a multitude of" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a multitude of" is generally more suitable for formal writing or speaking. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "lots of" or "many" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a multitude of" and "a plethora of"?

Both phrases indicate a large quantity, but "a plethora of" often implies an excessive or overwhelming amount, while "a multitude of" simply suggests a large number or variety.