a large number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a large number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large quantity or amount of something, similar to the phrase "a lot of." For example: "A large number of people attended the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

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

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

A large number of persons were killed.

The New Yorker

That is a large number of women.

The New York Times

A large number of them were conservative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large number of" when you want to emphasize the quantity of countable items. It is more formal than "a lot of" and adds a level of precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a large number of" with uncountable nouns. For uncountable nouns, use phrases like "a large amount of" or "a great deal of" instead. For example, instead of "a large number of water", say "a large amount of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large number of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for indicating a substantial quantity of countable items. It essentially modifies a noun by specifying its quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large number of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a significant quantity of countable items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various writing styles. While alternatives such as "many" and "numerous" exist, "a large number of" offers a more formal and emphatic tone. Remember to use "a large amount of" with uncountable nouns. Based on the analysis of Ludwig's examples, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, highlighting its suitability for conveying information about quantities in a clear and structured manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of

Implies a great number of things or people, often suggesting variety.

considerable numbers of

Highlights the significance or importance of the quantity.

numerous instances of

Emphasizes repeated occurrences rather than just a high quantity.

a great quantity of

Focuses on the substantial amount or volume, suitable for uncountable nouns.

an abundance of

Suggests a plentiful or overflowing supply.

a significant amount of

Similar to "a large number of", but works better for uncountable nouns or abstract concepts.

a high volume of

Focuses on the rate or throughput rather than just the total count.

a good deal of

Less formal, implies a substantial amount, but not necessarily a precise count.

plenty of

Informal, suggesting that there is more than enough.

loads of

Very informal, implying a large, often excessive, quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a large number of" in a sentence?

You can use "a large number of" to describe a significant quantity of countable items. For example, "A large number of students attended the lecture."

What are some alternatives to "a large number of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "many", "numerous", "a multitude of", or "a significant number of".

Is it better to use "a large number of" or "many"?

"A large number of" is generally more formal and emphatic than "many". "Many" is simpler and more common in everyday speech. The choice depends on the desired tone and context of your writing.

When should I use "a large amount of" instead of "a large number of"?

Use "a large amount of" with uncountable nouns (e.g., water, time, money), while "a large number of" is used with countable nouns (e.g., students, books, cars).