a good many

USAGE SUMMARY

'a good many' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean a large number of people or things, for example, "A good many students were present at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A good many local authorities have agreed.

The Economist

A good many certainly are.

The Guardian - Books

So, a good many of you.

Yale University

A good many Indians in this region.

University of California, Berkeley

But a good many are already there.

The New York Times

Yes, my friend, and about a good many other things.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I have collected a good many Orchids lately.

University of California, Berkeley

I hope to get a good many new things.

University of California, Berkeley

I have a good many dry plants already.

University of California, Berkeley

A good many of you have seen it before.

Yale University

There are a good many tons in it, though.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good many" to indicate a sizable quantity or number, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a more nuanced alternative to simply "many".

Common error

Avoid overusing "a good many" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise quantitative language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "a significant number of" or "numerous" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good many" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier. It modifies nouns, indicating a large, but not precisely defined, quantity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe numbers of people, objects, and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

39%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good many" serves as a versatile quantifier, indicating a sizable quantity without being overly precise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound phrase suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. It strikes a balance between formality and informality, making it a useful addition to any writer's vocabulary. When striving for more precise language, consider alternatives like "a considerable number" or ""numerous"". Remember to avoid overusing it in highly technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large number

This alternative is simpler and more direct, lacking the subtle nuance of "a good many".

quite a few

This alternative is less formal and implies a smaller quantity than the original phrase.

numerous

This is a more concise and formal synonym, suitable for academic or professional writing.

a significant quantity

This alternative is very formal and emphasizes the importance of the amount.

a considerable number

This option is more formal and emphasizes the largeness of the quantity.

a substantial amount

This phrase is suitable when referring to a considerable quantity or degree of something.

plenty of

This option is more informal and suggests an abundance or more than enough.

an abundance of

This option emphasizes a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

a great deal

While often used with uncountable nouns, this can imply a large quantity in some contexts.

lots of

This is a very informal and common alternative, suitable for casual conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "a good many" in a sentence?

You can use "a good many" to describe a large quantity of something. For example, "A good many students attended the lecture" or "A good many books were on the shelf".

What are some alternatives to "a good many"?

Alternatives include "quite a few", "a large number", "numerous", or "plenty of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "a good many" formal or informal?

"A good many" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more precise quantitative language might be preferred.

What's the difference between "a good many" and "many"?

"A good many" suggests a considerable quantity, often more than simply "many". It adds a subtle emphasis on the size of the quantity being referred to.