a multiplicity of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multiplicity of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large variety or numerous items or concepts in a given context. Example: "The festival showcased a multiplicity of things, from art installations to live performances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Some think it engages in metaphysical multiple vision, seeing a multiplicity of things at a given place and time where there is plausibly only one.

SEP

Let me point out first that the word "publisher" means a multiplicity of things.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I can do a multiplicity of things from not only coverage but pressure, and give different looks and disguises and movements, so it allows me to be a lot more versatile with what I can do with the players".

The New York Times - Sports

According to the common interpretation of the opening passage of the Categories, equivocal terms are correlated with more than one concept and refer to a multiplicity of things sharing different natures, whereas univocal terms are correlated with only one concept and refer to a multiplicity of things sharing one and the same nature.

SEP

Aristotle tells us that Leucippus tried to formulate a theory that is consistent with the evidence of the senses that change and motion and a multiplicity of things exists in the world (DK 67A7).

SEP

As a consequence, no angel is one in number in the strict sense of the term (as being one in number necessarily implies the actual presence of a multiplicity of things of the same species), even though broadly speaking every angel is one in number, as two (or more) angels are, after all, "many things"—but never many angels of the same kind (SN, part VI, chap. 5, fol. 95vb).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The first proof moves from the awareness of a multiplicity of good things to the recognition that they all share or participate more or less in one and the same Good, which is supremely good in itself, and this is God.

Britannica

The need for the distinction between two kinds of collection can be found back in the work of Schroder and Cantor [ 22]: "If we start from the notion of a definite multiplicity of things, it is necessary, as I discovered, to distinguish two kinds of multiplicities (by this I always mean definite multiplicities).

BMC Medical Genomics

People who make job choices well in their lives, people who make personal choices well, are all people who have implicitly made sensible calculations based on the fact that there are a multiplicity of possibilities". One thing Summers says he has learned from Rubin is the value of not always choosing among the available options.

The New York Times

"To send it just to one committee or a multiplicity of committees will leave things out, won't reconcile contradictory information and because the existing committees are so busy in the new administration won't get the focus that It needs," he said.

Huffington Post

In this context, Mendelssohn explains how beauty affords a distinctive pleasure precisely as the unity of the multiplicity of things taken in by the senses (a view subsequently iterated, as we have seen, in On the Main Principles).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a multiplicity of things" to convey a sense of diverse elements or aspects, rather than a simple large quantity. This phrase works well when emphasizing the variety and heterogeneous nature of the items being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a multiplicity of things" when simpler alternatives like "many things" or "various aspects" would suffice. The phrase can sound unnecessarily formal or verbose in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a multiplicity of things" is to act as a noun phrase functioning as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a diverse and numerous collection, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a multiplicity of things" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a diverse and numerous collection of items or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples of its usage in reputable sources. While the phrase is more formal, it's essential to avoid overuse in simple contexts where clearer options exist. Semantically related alternatives include "a variety of items" and "a multitude of objects". Predominantly found in scientific, news and media, and encyclopedic texts, this phrase effectively conveys breadth and diversity in descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of objects

Emphasizes a large quantity of distinct objects.

a variety of items

Focuses on the diverse nature of the items rather than their sheer number.

a diverse range of items

Stresses the diversity within the set of items.

a wide array of elements

Highlights the broad spectrum and range of the elements involved.

a collection of diverse objects

Highlights the act of gathering different objects together.

an assortment of entities

Implies a collection of different entities, often carefully selected.

various sorts of items

Highlights the different types and classifications of the items.

numerous kinds of things

Emphasizes the multiple types and categories of things present.

a profusion of elements

Indicates an abundant and overflowing quantity of elements.

a spectrum of entities

Suggests a range of entities presented in a progressive or ordered manner.

FAQs

How can I use "a multiplicity of things" in a sentence?

You can use "a multiplicity of things" to describe a wide variety of items or concepts. For example: "The exhibition featured "a multiplicity of things", from sculptures to paintings."

What are some alternatives to "a multiplicity of things"?

Alternatives include "a variety of items", "a multitude of objects", or "a diverse range of items", depending on the specific context.

Is "a multiplicity of things" formal or informal?

"A multiplicity of things" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "many things" or "various aspects" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "a multiplicity of things"?

Use "a multiplicity of things" when you want to emphasize the diverse and varied nature of the items or concepts being discussed, particularly in academic or formal writing. It adds a layer of sophistication to your description.