a great number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a great number' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that means a large amount or quantity of (something). For example, you could write: "The city had a great number of visitors during the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a great number.

The New York Times - Sports

"601 is a great number.

The New York Times - Sports

A great number of them are submerged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But 50 would be a great number.

The New York Times - Sports

A great number of Austen fanfic stories are pornographic.

The Guardian - Books

A great number of lives might thus be saved.

The New York Times

"Ten percent is a great number," Mr. Serpico said.

The New York Times

"I think that's a great number," he said.

The New York Times

The people you talked about are not a great number.

The Guardian

A great number of people are name-checked.

The Guardian - Books

A great number of such marriages end in divorce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great number", ensure that the context provides clarity about what is being counted. Be specific when possible to enhance understanding.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "a great number" can make writing sound monotonous. Use synonyms like "many", "numerous", or "several" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. For example, "A great number of people" indicates a large group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a large quantity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable across various contexts, though especially prevalent in scientific and news-related content. While effective, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "many" or "numerous" can enhance your writing style. When employing "a great number", ensure clarity about what you're counting and adjust formality as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity

Focuses on the amount or volume, shifting from abstract number to measurable quantity.

a significant amount

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the quantity.

a considerable quantity

Similar to "significant amount" but slightly less emphatic.

many

A simpler, more direct way to express a large quantity. Less formal.

numerous

Implies a countability and multiplicity. More formal than "many".

a multitude

Suggests a very large, often uncountable, quantity.

a plethora

Implies an overabundance or excess.

an abundance

Focuses on the plentiful nature of the quantity.

a profusion

Highlights the lavish or extravagant nature of the quantity.

a vast quantity

Highlights that the quantity is extremely large.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great number" to indicate a large quantity of something. For example, "A great number of studies have explored this phenomenon."

What are some alternatives to "a great number"?

Alternatives include "many", "numerous", "a large quantity", or "a significant amount", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a great number" or "many"?

The choice depends on the desired level of formality. "Many" is more informal and direct, while "a great number" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the magnitude of the quantity.

Can "a great number" be used for uncountable nouns?

No, "a great number" is typically used with countable nouns. For uncountable nouns, use phrases like "a great amount" or ""a large quantity"".