a great many different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great many different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a large variety of items or concepts in a context where diversity is being highlighted. Example: "The museum features a great many different exhibits that showcase the history of art from around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Now let's consider a nonreductionist alternative: there are a great many different kinds of beings, with different natures.

The New York Times

The computerized "switches" that relay information along the Internet can't cope with a flood of invalid data coming from a great many different electronic addresses at once.

The New York Times

The inquisition into these mysteries pulls the book in a great many different directions, as well as back and forth across a large period of time.

The Guardian - Books

Considering the numbers of common saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is evident that there are a great many different triglycerides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The improvisations are the spontaneous-seeming games or devices the two people (here Rie Ogura and Mitchell Kilby) pursue, by turns, with each other, and whereby they pass through a great many different moods.

The New York Times - Arts

Balkin has corrected the original statement on his blog, which now reads: programs can "listen to a great many different calls (and read a great many e-mails) without any requirement of a warrant".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In 1839, Modeste Demers investigated the area in some detail and described not just one fall but a great many, in different channels and with different qualities.

Wikipedia

There are a great many of different kinds of costumes, hats, masks out there that children will enjoy.

WikiHow

A great many philosophers of many different persuasions participated in that project.

SEP

Over the approximately 900 years that castles were built, they took on a great many forms with many different features, although some, such as curtain walls and arrowslits, were commonplace.

Wikipedia

Not only are the four siRNA duplexes in these second generation siRNA pools chemically modified to avoid off-target effects, their sequences are also, for a great many genes, entirely different from the ones in our whole-genome library (siGenome siRNA).

Cell Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great many different" when you want to emphasize both the large quantity and the diverse nature of the items or concepts you are describing. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "a great many different" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your language by using synonyms like "numerous distinct" or "various diverse" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great many different" functions as a determiner, specifically quantifying and describing a noun. Ludwig AI shows that it is used to indicate a large quantity of diverse or varied items. It emphasizes both numerousness and variety.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great many different" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize a large quantity of varied items or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "numerous distinct" or "various diverse" for stylistic variation. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing, though more precise language might be preferred in academic settings. Its primary function is to convey abundance and diversity, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to highlight a wide range of possibilities or characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerous distinct

Emphasizes the distinct nature of the items more strongly than "a great many different".

a multitude of varied

More formal and literary than "a great many different", suggesting a vast quantity.

various diverse

Highlights the diversity among the items, rather than just the quantity.

a wealth of individual

Implies a valuable and plentiful collection of items that are separate and distinct.

a wide array of dissimilar

Suggests a structured collection of items that are not alike, often used in more formal contexts.

a host of disparate

More formal and emphasizes the lack of connection between the items.

several unlike

Indicates a smaller quantity compared to "a great many different", also highlighting dissimilarity.

an abundance of contrasting

Highlights the plentiful nature and the contrasting qualities.

many kinds of unique

Focuses on the uniqueness of each item, implying a specific type or category.

plenty of separate

Indicates a sufficient quantity of items that are not connected or joined.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great many different" to emphasize a large quantity and variety, as in "The study explored "a great many different" approaches to solving the problem".

What are some alternatives to "a great many different"?

Some alternatives include "numerous distinct", "various diverse", or "several unlike", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a great many different" formal or informal?

"A great many different" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "a multitude of varied" or "a host of disparate" for a more elevated tone.

What is the difference between "a great many" and "a great many different"?

"A great many" simply indicates a large quantity, while "a great many different" emphasizes both the quantity and the variety or diversity of the items being described. For instance, "a great many people" vs. "a great many different cultures".