a large number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a group or quantity of things that is significantly more than a few, but not so many that it's an "enormous" amount. For example, "A large number of students showed up for the lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A large number of readers certainly did.

The Guardian

And on a large number of humans.

The New Yorker

A large number of drinks are consumed.

The New Yorker

It is not a large number.

The New York Times

It seemed a large number.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A large number will go.

The New York Times

A large number of hands were raised.

The Guardian - Books

A large number of voters remain undecided.

The New York Times

"That's a large number of people.

The New York Times

Why a large number of judges?

The New York Times - Sports

A large number of armed police followed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large number" when you want to indicate a quantity that is notably greater than average but not necessarily overwhelming. For example, "A large number of participants attended the workshop."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a large number" in formal reports or academic papers. Instead, consider using more precise quantifiers like "significant", "substantial", or specific numerical data to provide a clearer and more impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large number" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is more than just a few. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's used to suggest a considerable amount without specifying an exact figure, as seen in examples like "A large number of students showed up for the lecture."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a large number" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a quantity that is notably greater than average without being overwhelming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, from formal academic writing to everyday news reporting. While it's important to avoid overuse and consider more precise quantifiers when appropriate, mastering its application can help you communicate scale and significance effectively. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant amount

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the quantity, not just its size.

a considerable quantity

Highlights the substantial nature of the amount.

a great many

An alternative phrasing that is more informal.

numerous instances

Focuses on individual occurrences rather than a collective amount.

a multitude of

Suggests a very large and often varied collection.

a substantial portion

Indicates that the quantity is a significant fraction of a whole.

an abundance of

Implies a plentiful or overflowing quantity.

a high volume of

Refers to a large quantity in terms of capacity or space.

a proliferation of

Suggests a rapid increase in quantity or spread.

countless examples

Emphasizes the inability to count the numerous instances.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant amount", "a considerable quantity", or "numerous instances" depending on the context.

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

Use "a large number" to describe a quantity that is notably greater than a few, but not so immense as to be uncountable. For example, "A large number of applications were received for the position."

Is it better to use "a large number" or a specific number?

If precision is important, use a specific number. However, if you want to emphasize that the quantity is significant without needing an exact figure, "a large number" is appropriate.

What's the difference between "a large number" and "a great number"?

"A large number" and "a great number" are often interchangeable, but "a great number" can sometimes imply an even larger quantity than "a large number". Both phrases are generally acceptable.