a multitude of faces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multitude of faces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of different people or expressions, often in a context where diversity or variety is emphasized. Example: "As I walked through the crowded market, I was struck by a multitude of faces, each telling its own story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

PhoTheournalists Capture the Violence and Emotion of Venezuelan Protests.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many of us face a slowly creeping multitude of in-boxes — including Twitter, Facebook, SMS, Skype, online dating services, LinkedIn and Snapchat.

The New York Times - Tech

Efraty et al. [105] contain a very extensive study on landmarking performance using a multitude of face databases.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

They argue that the tax cuts will squander resources needed to address a multitude of problems facing the country, including domestic security and more Social Security claims.

The New York Times

Indeed information technology is seen by many as a cost-efficient way to solve a multitude of problems facing our complex contemporary society.

SEP

Yes, there is crippling ideological partisanship, and there is widespread misinformation and lack of awareness of a multitude of problems facing our country; all of which is disappointing but comprehensible given the entrenched powers in our system that are using effective propaganda to promote their interests.

Huffington Post

Social media such as Facebook has given us an opportunity to reach a multitude of people but I think face-to-face is still very important.

Huffington Post

The author himself plays, with quiet charisma, an ex-boxer called Deli who runs a dingy West Indian takeaway in Hackney and faces a multitude of problems.

The Guardian

Here, my Creon (or as I have renamed him, Creo) faces a multitude of human emotions and he begins to pay for the life he chose.

The Guardian

Iraq faces a multitude of vexing problems the Americans tried and failed to resolve, from how to divide the country's oil wealth to sectarian reconciliation to the establishment of an impartial justice system.

The New York Times

Still, in the coming weeks, Mr. Donaldson faces a multitude of decisions on issues -- from new shareholder proxy voting rules to tighter regulation of hedge funds and analyst conflict of interests -- that will force him to decide between investors and large institutions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a multitude of faces" to effectively convey a sense of numerous and varied expressions or individuals present in a particular scene or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a multitude of faces" in contexts where a simpler term like "many faces" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of faces" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a collection of individuals, emphasizing the quantity and variety present. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a multitude of faces" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a large and varied group of people. It functions as a noun phrase and is most commonly found in news media and science contexts. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its frequency is relatively rare. Consider alternative phrases like "a variety of faces" or "a diversity of faces" for similar meanings, ensuring the chosen phrase fits the tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diversity of faces

Replaces "multitude" with "diversity", emphasizing the variety of faces.

a variety of faces

Replaces "multitude" with "variety", similar to "diversity" but slightly less formal.

a myriad of faces

Replaces "multitude" with "myriad", a more sophisticated word for a large number.

a range of faces

Replaces "multitude" with "range", suggesting a spectrum of different faces.

a host of faces

Uses "host" as a more literary or formal synonym for "multitude".

a number of faces

Replaces "multitude" with "number", offering a more direct and simple expression.

a sea of faces

Uses a metaphor to describe many faces, implying a large, undifferentiated crowd.

a crowd of faces

Focuses on the collective aspect, suggesting a large group of people.

many visages

Replaces both "multitude" and "faces" with more formal and literary terms.

numerous countenances

Uses less common, more formal synonyms for both quantity and faces.

FAQs

What does "a multitude of faces" mean?

The phrase "a multitude of faces" refers to a large number of people, often implying a diverse or varied group.

What can I say instead of "a multitude of faces"?

You can use alternatives like "a diversity of faces", "a number of faces", or "a variety of faces" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a multitude of faces" or "many faces"?

While both are correct, "a multitude of faces" is more emphatic and suggests a greater number and perhaps more variety than simply saying "many faces". The best choice depends on the desired impact and tone of your writing.

How can I use "a multitude of faces" in a sentence?

Example: As the performer scanned the audience, she was greeted by "a multitude of faces", each reflecting anticipation and excitement.