a great many errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great many errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of mistakes or inaccuracies in a particular context. Example: "After reviewing the report, I found a great many errors that need to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

According to Rowe, Federal Express is a large operation, with "a lot of sloppiness in data entry". MIT is finding "a great many errors in [their] efforts to clean" up the accounting problems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The compositors at Juan de la Cuesta's press in Madrid are now known to have been responsible for a great many errors in the text, many of which were long attributed to the author.

Britannica

In the days before outfielders wore gloves, Sunday was noted for thrilling catches featuring long sprints and athletic dives, but he also committed a great many errors.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The photography has suffered somewhat from age, and the English sub-titles contain a great many glaring and ridiculous errors in spelling.

The New York Times

There are a great many existing studies on full error disclosure and they depict a very varied landscape as well as grounds for applicability which are not always clear.

BMC Medical Ethics

No doubt in the army of disengaged employees noted in the Gallup data above, a great many are managed by middle managers and supervisors who are learning by trial and error the challenging practice of management.

Forbes

But a great many Indigenous people disagree with him and believe his close alignment with Abbott is a dramatic, personally risky, strategic error.

The Guardian - Opinion

He killed a great many Indians.

The New Yorker

A great many common reactions are exothermic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ryan is a great many things.

The New York Times

But a great many cannot be revived.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great many errors", consider the context and audience. While grammatically correct, it might be more effective to use more specific language to highlight the nature or impact of the errors.

Common error

While "a great many errors" is acceptable, overusing it, especially in informal contexts, can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "many mistakes" or "lots of errors" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great many errors" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun. It acts as an adjective modifying "errors", indicating a large quantity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great many errors" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a substantial quantity of mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context and target audience when choosing between "a great many errors" and simpler alternatives like "many mistakes". The phrase is considered neutral in register and is found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and academic institutions. When writing, avoid overuse and ensure the tone aligns with the intended audience. This phrase serves to communicate the presence of numerous inaccuracies, drawing attention to potential problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerous errors

Emphasizes the count of errors, implying they are too many to ignore.

many mistakes

Directly refers to the errors as mistakes, focusing on the incorrectness.

a multitude of errors

Highlights the vast number of errors, suggesting an overwhelming quantity.

a large number of errors

More formal and explicitly states the high quantity of errors.

significant inaccuracies

Shifts focus to the lack of accuracy, implying the errors are important.

extensive mistakes

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the mistakes.

considerable errors

Highlights the substantial quantity of the errors.

substantial number of errors

Similar to "a large number of errors" but can imply a greater impact.

plethora of mistakes

Suggests an overabundance of mistakes, even more than expected.

innumerable inaccuracies

Implies the errors are too many to count or list.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great many errors" to describe a large quantity of mistakes or inaccuracies. For example, "The audit revealed "a great many errors" in the accounting records".

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

Alternatives include "numerous errors", "many mistakes", or "a large number of errors". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "a great many errors" or "many errors"?

"A great many errors" tends to be slightly more formal than simply saying "many errors". However, both are acceptable in most formal contexts.

Is "a great many errors" interchangeable with "a great deal of errors"?

While both phrases indicate a large quantity, "a great many" is generally used with countable nouns (like errors), while "a great deal of" is used with uncountable nouns. Therefore, "a great many errors" is the correct choice.