Numerous countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Numerous countries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of countries in a general context, often to emphasize diversity or widespread occurrence. Example: "Numerous countries have implemented new environmental policies to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Numerous countries have their poet laureate.

The Guardian - Books

Numerous countries, many with far better credit ratings than Italy, need to raise cash.

The Economist

Numerous countries, such as Germany, allow civil partnerships but are yet to allow gay marriage.

The Guardian

Numerous countries have adopted cost-cutting exercises with some limited success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Numerous countries have been placed on the trade representative's Special 301 Watch List because of pharmaceutical patent disagreements.

The New York Times - Magazine

Numerous countries put forward the targets and actions without any attached conditions (e.g. USA, Russian Federation, Canada).

Carbon Balance and Management

Numerous countries offered the Nigerian government assistance including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Israel.

Vice

Studies in numerous countries come to broadly the same conclusions.

The Economist

It reached the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the US and UK.

The Guardian - Music

Many of its independent human rights experts continue to address human rights problems in numerous countries.

The New York Times

As he did so, he evaluated the levels of cooperation that Spain receives from numerous countries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "numerous countries", ensure the context clearly indicates what these countries have in common or why their multitude is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "numerous countries" when only a handful of nations are involved. Opt for "several" or "a few" for smaller quantities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Numerous countries" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a collection of national entities, indicating a significant quantity as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Numerous countries" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression in English, serving to indicate a large quantity of nations affected by a particular phenomenon. As affirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. When using "Numerous countries", it's crucial to ensure that the context warrants the implication of a significant number, and consider alternatives like "many nations" or "various countries" for subtle shifts in meaning or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Many nations

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of saying "numerous countries", focusing on the quantity.

Multiple countries

This alternative is a more formal and technical synonym for "numerous countries".

A multitude of countries

This alternative emphasizes the large number of countries involved, adding a sense of abundance.

Various countries

This alternative stresses the diversity of countries involved, rather than the quantity.

A number of countries

This alternative is a more neutral and less emphatic way of saying "numerous countries".

Numerous states

This alternative replaces the word "countries" with "states", which can be used interchangeably in some contexts.

Many sovereign states

This alternative emphasizes the independent and self-governing nature of the countries.

Several countries

This alternative implies a smaller, less overwhelming number of countries than "numerous countries".

A host of nations

This alternative is a more literary and evocative way of saying "numerous countries", implying a large and impressive group.

Plenty of countries

This alternative is a more informal and conversational way to express that there are many countries.

FAQs

How can I use "numerous countries" in a sentence?

You can use "numerous countries" to indicate that a particular phenomenon, trend, or policy is widespread across many nations. For example, "Numerous countries have adopted renewable energy policies."

What's a more formal alternative to "numerous countries"?

A more formal alternative is "multiple countries", which carries a slightly more technical tone.

Is it better to say "numerous countries" or "many countries"?

"Numerous countries" and "many countries" are largely interchangeable. "Numerous" adds a slightly more emphatic tone, suggesting a particularly large number.

In what contexts is "numerous countries" most appropriate?

"Numerous countries" is suitable for general statements about global trends, international relations, or widespread phenomena. It's often used in news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedic entries.