a great many

USAGE SUMMARY

"a great many" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to refer to a large but unspecified number of people or items. For example, "I have a great many ideas for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Fed a great many.

The New York Times - Travel

A great many common reactions are exothermic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He killed a great many Indians.

The New Yorker

Ryan is a great many things.

The New York Times

But a great many cannot be revived.

The Economist

A great many walked out.

The Guardian

But a great many do.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In me [are] a great many mixtures".

The New York Times - Arts

A great many still live in caves.

The Guardian - Travel

There are a great many others.

The New York Times

A great many, it turns out.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great many", ensure that the noun following the phrase is plural. For example, "a great many books", not "a great many book".

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun after "a great many". The phrase implies plurality, so ensure the following noun is in its plural form. For example, use "a great many problems" instead of "a great many problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great many" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, that precedes a noun to indicate a large but unspecified number or quantity. It modifies the noun to express that there are numerous instances of it, aligning with Ludwig's analysis that it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great many" is a versatile phrase used to denote a large, unspecified quantity. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it commonly appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While synonymous with phrases like "a large number of" and "numerous", it's important to ensure proper noun usage (plural form). Whether you're aiming to emphasize abundance or simply convey a substantial amount, "a great many" serves as a valuable tool in your linguistic repertoire. Its frequency and acceptance across various authoritative sources reinforce its reliability in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large number of

Replaces "great many" with "large number", maintaining the meaning of a significant quantity.

many

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning, omitting the intensifier "great".

a lot of

Offers a more informal alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

numerous

Provides a more formal and concise synonym.

a multitude of

Emphasizes the large quantity, adding a sense of abundance.

a considerable number of

Highlights the significance of the quantity.

quite a few

Offers a slightly less emphatic alternative.

a good deal of

Suggests a substantial amount or quantity.

an abundance of

Implies a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

countless

Emphasizes the inability to count or enumerate the quantity.

FAQs

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

"A great many" is used to indicate a large quantity or number of something. For example, "A great many people attended the conference", or "The company faced a great many challenges during the economic downturn".

What's a more formal alternative to "a great many"?

For more formal writing, consider using "numerous", "a multitude of", or "a considerable number of".

Is it correct to say "a great many of"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. You can say "a great many of" followed by a plural noun or pronoun. For example, "A great many of them were in attendance".

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

"A great many" emphasizes a larger quantity than simply "many". It suggests a substantial number, highlighting the significance of the quantity. Use "a great many" when you want to stress that there is a considerable amount.