a multitude of friends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multitude of friends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe having a large number of friends or acquaintances. Example: "After moving to the city, she quickly made a multitude of friends who shared her interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

He is mourned by a multitude of friends and family.

The New York Times

Phyllis was an angel in a human body and a joy to a multitude of friends.

The New York Times

A kind, sweet, and good humored man, he leaves behind a multitude of friends.

The New York Times

She was dearly loved by her family and by a multitude of friends.

The New York Times

The family was nothing if not blessed with a multitude of friends.

The Guardian - Arts

She became a Turkish American matriarch, beloved and relied upon by her own large family and a multitude of friends who reaped spiritual and intellectual inspiration from her.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Admired by a multitude of caring friends, she will never be duplicated or forgotten.

The New York Times

Loved by many aunts, uncles and a multitude of devoted friends, professional collegues and classmates.

The New York Times

Enriched by an extended family and treasured by a multitude of dear friends.

The New York Times

It's like discovering a multitude of new friends and soulmates.

The Guardian - Music

She is survived by her children Mary, Amanda and Richard, six grandchildren and a multitude of loving friends.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a multitude of friends" to convey a sense of abundance and strong social connections. It adds a touch of formality and emphasis compared to simply saying "many friends".

Common error

While "a multitude of friends" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lots of friends" or "many friends" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of friends" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It describes the presence of a large number of friendships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a multitude of friends" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe having many friends. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity. While it's suitable for various contexts, it is particularly fitting for news articles, obituaries, and general writing where a slightly elevated tone is desired. The phrase conveys a sense of abundance and strong social connections. While acceptable, simpler alternatives like "many friends" might be preferred in informal settings. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, this phrase often appears when commemorating someone's life or highlighting their social impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many friends

Direct and simple alternative that indicates a large number of friends.

a great number of friends

More formal way of saying "many friends", emphasizing quantity.

a large circle of friends

Focuses on the social network aspect of having friends.

numerous friends

Emphasizes the count of friends.

a host of friends

Implies a welcoming and abundant group of friends.

a throng of friends

Suggests a large and closely packed group of friends.

an abundance of friends

Highlights the plentifulness of friends.

plenty of friends

Informal way of expressing having more than enough friends.

a wide social circle

Similar to "a large circle of friends" but can include acquaintances.

loads of friends

Very informal, emphasizing a large quantity of friends.

FAQs

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

You can use "a multitude of friends" to describe someone who has many friends. For example: "She was surrounded by "a multitude of friends" at her birthday party."

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

Alternatives to "a multitude of friends" include "many friends", "a large circle of friends", or "numerous friends", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

Both phrases are correct, but "a multitude of friends" is more formal and emphasizes a large quantity. "Many friends" is simpler and suitable for most situations.

What is the difference between "a multitude of friends" and "a wide social circle"?

"A multitude of friends" refers specifically to people you consider friends, while "a wide social circle" can include acquaintances, colleagues, and other contacts who are not necessarily close friends.