a large gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large gathering" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a large group of people who have come together for a shared purpose or event. Example: The park was filled with a large gathering of families enjoying a beautiful picnic on a sunny afternoon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

12.12pm: A large gathering of paparazzi outside the conference centre.

The Guardian

Before a large gathering his ear for the audience's mood was unfailing.

Independent

Nor is Christmas the only occasion when Mr. Burke plays host to a large gathering.

The New York Times

But, with a large gathering fast approaching, the bikers soon put themselves back to work.

The Guardian

The stereotype of the day held that a large gathering of determined black marchers would inevitably turn violent and unruly.

The New York Times

Through the windscreen they could see a large gathering of people, waiting outside an empty municipal office.

The New Yorker

The two first spoke together in a large gathering outside the Qingchengshan school, then walked over to the basketball players.

The New York Times

"I believe a brief conversation like that may have taken place at a large gathering," Mr. Quinn said today.

The New York Times

The memorial was only 17 years old, and federal agencies had never granted a permit for a large gathering there.

The New York Times - Books

It was not a large gathering, but even so there seemed to be a lot of canes.

The New York Times

I was there for a large gathering that had technically started an hour earlier, but I sat alone, a victim of my own near-punctuality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large gathering" when you want to emphasize the size of a group of people coming together for a specific purpose or event.

Common error

Avoid using "a large gathering" without providing context about the event or purpose of the gathering. Specificity makes your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large gathering" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a significant number of people assembled in one place for a specific reason or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, providing numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a large gathering" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant number of people assembled in one place. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to provide context to specify the event or purpose of the gathering. Alternatives like "a sizable crowd" or "a massive assembly" can be used to add nuance. Remember, while "a large gathering" is generally neutral, the formality of the surrounding language can influence the overall tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sizable crowd

Emphasizes the considerable size of the group, focusing on the visual aspect.

a massive assembly

Highlights the impressiveness and scale of the gathering.

a significant turnout

Focuses on the number of people who attended an event, suggesting importance.

a considerable number of people

A more formal and precise way of indicating a large group.

a throng of individuals

Implies a densely packed and possibly moving crowd.

a multitude of participants

Emphasizes the variety and number of people involved in an event.

a host of attendees

Suggests a large number of people formally present at an event.

a sea of faces

A more figurative expression emphasizing the overwhelming number of people.

a swarm of people

Implies a large, active and possibly chaotic group.

a mob

Suggests a large, disorderly, and potentially aggressive crowd.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a large gathering"?

You can use alternatives like "a sizable crowd", "a massive assembly", or "a significant turnout depending on the context.

How do I use "a large gathering" in a sentence?

You can use "a large gathering" to describe a numerous group of people assembled for a particular reason. For instance: "The protest drew "a large gathering" of concerned citizens."

Is "a large gathering" formal or informal?

"A large gathering" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the specific event being described.

What's the difference between "a large gathering" and "a crowd"?

"A large gathering" generally implies a planned or organized event, while "a crowd" can refer to a more spontaneous or unstructured group of people. The term 'crowd' can also sometimes imply a denser or more chaotic group.