a massive number

USAGE SUMMARY

"a massive number" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a very large quantity or amount of something. Example: The hurricane caused a massive number of power outages, leaving thousands of homes without electricity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have a massive number of social media followers".

The Guardian

Since 1997 we have closed a massive number.

The Guardian

We're not even talking about a massive number of children".

The Guardian

And we still have a massive number of problems here".

The New York Times

He conducted a massive number of interviews and read widely in contemporary reporting.

Harvard University

"You're talking about a massive number of phones," Mr. Benzie said.

The New York Times

"We're not talking about a massive number of people," Duffy said about the high recidivism rates.

The Guardian

But there are a massive number of companies that have no interest in rewarding shareholders.

The New York Times

And as a financial centre, the City creates a massive number of jobs.

The Guardian

But they're not interesting until we have a massive number of users," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

A massive number of businesses say: "A website isn't for us, We don't really need it".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a massive number", ensure the context provides clear information about what is being quantified. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "a massive number" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal writing. Opt for more casual alternatives like "tons of" or "a lot of" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive number" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a large quantity. It's used to emphasize the considerable size of the number being referenced. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a massive number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a very large quantity. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various domains. It is prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. While primarily neutral in register, it can be adapted for formal or informal writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what is being quantified to maximize clarity and impact. For alternative expressions, consider options like ""a substantial quantity"" or ""a significant amount"", tailoring your choice to the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity" and "massive" with "substantial", focusing on the amount rather than the count.

a significant amount

Uses "amount" instead of "number", implying a measurable quantity that is considerable.

a considerable quantity

Substitutes "massive" with "considerable", indicating a noteworthy quantity.

a large volume

Emphasizes the bulk or capacity implied by "a massive number".

an enormous quantity

Replaces "massive" with "enormous" to amplify the sense of a very large amount.

a great deal

A more informal way of expressing a large quantity or amount.

a vast quantity

Highlights the immensity or scale of the quantity.

a multitude

Indicates a large number of things or people, often suggesting variety.

countless numbers

Emphasizes the inability to count the number due to its large size.

innumerable instances

Highlights the frequency or repetition of events or items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a massive number" to describe a large quantity of something. For example, "The company received "a massive number" of applications for the open position".

What are some alternatives to "a massive number"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a substantial quantity", "a significant amount", or "a great deal".

Is it better to say "a large number" or "a massive number"?

"A massive number" implies a significantly larger quantity than "a large number". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

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

While "a massive number" typically refers to countable items, you might consider using "a large amount" or "a significant quantity" when referring to uncountable nouns like water or data.