a massive throng

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a massive throng" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large crowd of people gathered in one place, often in a context of events or gatherings. Example: "As the concert began, a massive throng of fans surged toward the stage, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite band."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Apple's main store in Toronto at the Eaton Centre had already amassed a long line that snaked around the entire upper floor of the mall where it's located when I dropped by last night, with people spanning an area of about two city blocks indoors wrapping around and doubling back in a massive throng of people.

TechCrunch

The images on glass captured at the Assembly by photographer Samoilă Mârza show a massive throng above whom flutter numerous such flags, some of the canvases inscribed with a motto.

Wikipedia

But while the civil rights leader, now age 60, is still able to attract a massive throng of activists from around the country, there were indications on the ground Saturday that the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot!" movement may have moved beyond Sharpton's control.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In his closing act as a Cub, Ross respectfully requested that the massive throng of supporters at the rally pose with him for a selfie, to which we all cooperated.

Huffington Post

The massive throng that day was evenly divided: Half black, half white.

Huffington Post

Still, shop owners noted that a jackpot that soared Wednesday to $500 million failed to draw the usual massive throngs.

Los Angeles Times

The building, near the US Capitol, was surrounded Thursday morning by massive throngs of reporters interspersed with anti-Trump protesters and at least one Trump supporter.

Vice

And, of course, then there's Brexit and the effective use of fear by the 'exit' side, using advertising just ahead of the vote to showcase what they said were the massive throngs of Syrian refugees amassing at the English border just waiting enter the country.

Huffington Post

After about an hour of media photo ops in front of a massive American flag, the throng dispersed into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Vice

Not only did the filmmakers create a massive set piece with a throng of burning oil wells, but they also built a man-made lake in rural California, according to a Photoplay review (67).

Columbia University

The investor is always thronged by a massive crowd of security and shareholders eager to take a cellphone picture of even the back of Mr. Buffett's head.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a massive throng" to vividly depict a very large and closely packed crowd, especially when you want to emphasize the scale and potential energy of the gathering. Consider the connotations of "throng", which can suggest a sense of excitement or even slight overwhelm.

Common error

While "a massive throng" can be effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions of crowds with synonyms like "large gathering" or "sea of people" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive throng" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it accurately describes a large, densely packed crowd. The adjective "massive" intensifies the noun "throng", emphasizing the scale of the gathering.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a massive throng" is a grammatically correct and vivid noun phrase used to describe a large, densely packed crowd. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the scale and potential energy of a gathering, most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the connotations of "throng" and avoid overuse by varying your descriptions with synonyms. It occupies a register position in the Neutral spectrum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a huge crowd

Replaces "throng" with "crowd" and "massive" with "huge", indicating a large but potentially less overwhelming gathering.

a large gathering

Uses a more general term "gathering" instead of "throng", suggesting a more organized or purposeful assembly.

a vast multitude

Replaces "massive throng" with a more literary and emphatic expression, conveying a sense of immense scale.

a great assembly

Suggests a formal or organized gathering of people, differing from the potentially chaotic nature of a "throng".

a sea of people

Uses a metaphor to describe the crowd, emphasizing its density and vastness.

a large concourse

Implies a crowd moving through a public space, such as a station or airport.

a dense pack

Emphasizes the closeness and compactness of the crowd, suggesting limited space and movement.

a sizable group

Indicates a considerable number of people, but without the intensity or potential disorder implied by "throng".

a horde of individuals

Suggests a large, possibly unruly or uncontrolled, group of people.

a multitude of attendees

More formal and precise, implying a specific event or function with a large number of participants.

FAQs

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

You can use "a massive throng" to describe a large, densely packed crowd. For example, "A massive throng of fans gathered outside the stadium before the concert".

What can I say instead of "a massive throng"?

You can use alternatives like "a huge crowd", "a large gathering", or "a vast multitude" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "a massive throng" formal or informal?

"A massive throng" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both news reporting and descriptive writing. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. More formal alternatives might include "a large assembly" or "a multitude of attendees".

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

"A massive throng" emphasizes the density and potential energy of the crowd, suggesting a more overwhelming or dynamic gathering than simply "a large crowd". The word "throng" implies a closely packed and potentially moving group.