a multitude of figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multitude of figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of numerical representations, such as in data analysis, statistics, or artistic contexts. Example: "The report presented a multitude of figures that illustrated the company's growth over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the National Stadium, as the sky darkened and eight o'clock approached, a multitude of figures scuttled forward, each wheeling what appeared to be an outsized laundry basket.

The New Yorker

These are landscapes with a multitude of figures, in which something momentous is taking place, and they unfurl like a whole sequence of large-scale Romantic paintings, shimmering with feeling.

The Guardian - Books

Once again, it's hard not to think of, say, Andreas Gursky's 1999 photographs of a dollar store packed with colorful products or a multitude of figures swarming inside the Chicago Board of Trade, images that turn consumerism and the frenzied activities of capitalism into an experience of the postmodern sublime.

The New York Times

He uses the Scan-O-Rama to populate the Luna Park installation with a multitude of figures from his own life.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The resulting pieces of the decomposition can be rearranged (with no overlap) in various ways to obtain a multitude of different figures, all equivalent by dissection to the initial figure and having the same area.

Cornell University

These men were all important, but we are also introduced to a multitude of minor figures.

The New York Times - Books

Any attempt to make an outline of the amounts for this phenomenon will run into a multitude of contradictory figures.

The Guardian

Ultimately, heroes are meant to reveal some sort of humanity, at least to Campbell's mind: "We shall have only to follow, therefore, a multitude of heroic figures through the classic stages of the universal adventure in order to see again what has always been revealed.

Forbes

In fact, there are a multitude of public figures -- from celebrities to presidents -- who have battled some form of an anxiety disorder, and most of America is none the wiser.

Huffington Post

A multitude of action figures, dolls, toy cars, plush animals and religious statuettes are arrayed across this landscape, arranged in scenes or planted along the borders of dirt paths, like runway lights.

Los Angeles Times

His later works were largely religious and unprecedentedly vast in scale, as in the dazzling "Cathedra Petri," which covers the whole end of St. Peter's in Rome with a teeming multitude of figures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a multitude of figures", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to people, numerical data, or artistic representations. This will avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a multitude of figures" when a more precise number is available. Using a vague term when specific data exists can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of figures" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. The phrase describes a large quantity of entities, whether they are people, numerical data, or artistic representations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a multitude of figures" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a large number of people, numerical data, or artistic representations. According to Ludwig, it's considered correct for use in written English. While versatile, it leans toward neutral formality and is commonly found in news, academic texts, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the type of "figures" to avoid ambiguity, and use precise numbers when available to enhance credibility. Related phrases include "numerous figures" and "a large number of figures". Avoid using vague terms when specific data exists. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the varied applications of this phrase in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Numerous figures

Replaces "a multitude" with "numerous", keeping the same basic structure and meaning. Slightly more formal.

A large number of figures

Substitutes "multitude" with "large number", providing a more common and direct alternative.

Many figures

Simplifies the phrase by using "many" instead of "a multitude of", making it more concise.

A great many figures

Emphasizes the large quantity using "a great many", which is slightly more emphatic than "many".

A host of figures

Uses "host" to imply a large gathering or collection of figures, adding a slightly different nuance.

Scores of figures

Replaces "multitude" with "scores", indicating a large but indefinite number.

A sea of figures

Employs "sea" to create a visual metaphor of a vast, overwhelming number of figures.

An abundance of figures

Substitutes "multitude" with "abundance", focusing on the plentiful nature of the figures.

A profusion of figures

Uses "profusion" to convey a sense of overflowing or extravagant quantity.

Countless figures

Indicates that the figures are too numerous to count, emphasizing their vast quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a multitude of figures" to describe a large number of people, numerical data, or artistic representations. For example, "The parade featured "a multitude of figures" dressed in historical costumes."

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

Alternatives include "numerous figures", "a large number of figures", or "many figures", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to use "a multitude of figures" or "many figures"?

"A multitude of figures" is more formal and emphasizes a very large quantity, while "many figures" is simpler and more commonly used. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "a multitude of figures"?

Avoid using "a multitude of figures" if you have access to specific numbers or if the quantity is not particularly large. In such cases, a more precise or simpler term would be more appropriate.