a large force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount of power, strength, or influence, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The army deployed a large force to secure the border against potential threats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Furthermore, a large force was largely unnecessary, because of the inherent security provided by the city walls themselves.

Wikipedia

American military officials said they had largely cleared Baquba of militants during operations this summer, when a large force of soldiers swept through the city.

The New York Times

A large force would be needed.

The Economist

That may explain their insistence on a large force.

The New York Times

The armed rebels are not a large force.

The New York Times

A large force of marines is at sea there, too.

The New York Times

Uganda has backed Mr Kiir's government with a large force.

The Economist

Still, the city's elderly are a large force for these changes.

The New York Times

No NATO member has offered to send a large force to the south.

The New York Times

The United States simply did not have enough alliance partners to field such a large force.

The New York Times

A large force of Japanese bombers and fighters approached Guadalcanal, hoping to obliterate the airstrip.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing military or political situations, combine "a large force" with specific numbers or descriptive adjectives to provide a clearer picture of its scale and impact. For example, "a large force of 5000 soldiers".

Common error

Be specific when contrasting "a large force" with another entity. Instead of just stating "a large force", clarify its relative size compared to what it's up against. Example: "While they had a large force, the enemy's strategic advantage proved decisive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large force" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a group of people or things, emphasizing their considerable size. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a large force" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its primary function is to denote a substantial group or entity, emphasizing scale and potential impact. Usage ranges from neutral in news to more formal in academic and scientific writings. While generally clear, writers should ensure context provides adequate clarity regarding size relative to comparison points and precise numerical quantification where greater understanding is required. Related alternatives include phrases such as "a substantial force" and "a significant force".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial force

Replaces "large" with "substantial", indicating a considerable amount or intensity.

a considerable force

Substitutes "large" with "considerable", suggesting a noteworthy or significant quantity.

a significant force

Emphasizes the importance of the force rather than just its size.

a huge force

Replaces "large" with "huge" implying very big amount.

a massive force

Replaces "large" with "massive", suggesting great size or scale.

a sizable force

Uses "sizable" instead of "large", indicating an ample or reasonably big amount.

a powerful force

Shifts focus from size to the strength and capability of the force.

an overwhelming force

Highlights the force's capacity to dominate or overcome.

a strong contingent

Replaces "force" with "contingent", referring to a group of people, and emphasizes strength.

a numerous group

Focuses on the quantity and aggregation of entities, not their physical power

FAQs

How can I use "a large force" in a sentence?

You can use "a large force" to describe a significant number of people or objects acting together. For example: "A large force of protesters gathered in the town square."

What are some alternatives to "a large force"?

Some alternatives to "a large force" include "a substantial force", "a considerable force", or "a significant force" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a large force"?

While not always necessary, quantifying "a large force" can provide greater clarity and impact, especially when precision is important.

What's the difference between "a large force" and "a powerful force"?

"A large force" refers to the quantity or size of a group, whereas "a powerful force" describes the strength or influence they possess. While a large force may be powerful, power doesn't necessarily correlate directly with quantity.