a big number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a large quantity of something, such as people or items. For example, you could say: "I saw a big number of people at the store today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's a big number of people who line up on the sidewalks.

The New York Times

"There were a big number of gunmen on a small yacht," Mr. Mwangura said.

The New York Times

"We are the only station that reports in Arabic to the Middle East, which has a big number of investors.

The New York Times

A big number of civilians were consequently subjected to the gases, leading to the martyrdom of tens of them.

The Guardian

A big number of his voters wanted him to take risks, they wanted him to make tougher statements.

The New York Times

So I don't think we are going to face a situation of a big number of [rebel] fighters coming to attack.

The Guardian

We have more than 100 employees in this company and a big number of customers, although I don't know how many exactly.

The Guardian - Tech

"We've taken on a big number of bodies that need to be fed," said Joseph L. Rice III, the co-founder and chairman of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.

The New York Times

Of the major banks that took a big number of companies public, UBS Warburg and Bank of America Securities appeared to do best.

The New York Times

"Definitely it is both because there were a big number of children who were led there by their parents," he said.

The New York Times

So expect a big number of these at the Georgetown conference, and for the international marketplace to be a big topic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big number of" when you want to emphasize the largeness of a quantity in a general and easily understandable way. For example, "A big number of students attended the lecture."

Common error

While "a big number of" is acceptable, it can sound less formal. In academic or professional writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "a significant quantity of" or "numerous" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. It indicates that there is a considerable quantity or amount of something. Ludwig examples show it commonly precedes nouns referring to people, items, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a large quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's widely accepted, remember that it might sound informal in certain formal writing scenarios, where more precise alternatives like "numerous" or "a significant amount of" might be more appropriate. This phrase is particularly common in scientific and news-related content, highlighting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity of

Emphasizes the amount rather than the count.

a significant amount of

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity.

a considerable quantity of

Similar to 'significant', indicating a noteworthy amount.

a multitude of

Suggests a very large, almost uncountable number.

numerous

A more concise adjective meaning 'many'.

a great deal of

Focuses on the extent or degree of something.

an abundance of

Implies a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

a high volume of

Suitable when discussing quantifiable items or data.

a substantial portion of

Highlights a significant part of a whole.

a profusion of

Emphasizes an excessive or extravagant quantity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a big number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a large quantity of", "numerous", or "a significant amount of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a big number of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a big number of" might sound informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a substantial amount of" or "a considerable quantity of" in academic or professional contexts.

How do I choose the best alternative to "a big number of"?

The best alternative depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Numerous" is concise and formal, while "a multitude of" emphasizes a very large, almost uncountable quantity.

Is "a big number of" the same as "a large number of"?

Yes, "a big number of" and "a large number of" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "a large number of" might be perceived as slightly more formal.