a multitude of individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multitude of individuals" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a formal way of saying "a lot of people" or "many people". For example, you could say: "There was a multitude of individuals present at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Maybe even these several identities do not exist, and there is only a multitude of individuals.

The New York Times - Books

Antibody validation remains a continuous effort that a multitude of individuals contribute towards.

Harvard University

The research group includes a multitude of individuals with interests ranging from agricultural economics, nutrition, animal science, and climate change mitigation and livelihood resilience.

Cornell University

That means ICE is notified about a multitude of individuals – most of whom haven't been charged with a crime, or who may have been charged but have not been convicted.

The Washington Post

Our class on leadership teaches that an organisation is not a perfectly harmonious entity; it is made up of a multitude of individuals with goals and visions that do not always align.

The Economist

Similar findings were identified, and clinical techniques to achieve these results were supported by a multitude of individuals during that era.

Evidence-Based Endodontics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

NATO could then work with them under Partnership for Peace, rather than with a multitude of individual countries.

The Economist

In combination with an innovative gas distribution system based on fractal geometries the latter employs a multitude of individual plasmajets arranged in a linear or hexagonal matrix.

Surface and Coatings Technology

In the climactic casino scene there are onlookers, but there is no chorus, just a multitude of individual lines for comprimarios.

The New York Times - Arts

These are works of enormous textural complexity, with string sections broken up into a multitude of individual voices and a packed cockpit of percussion instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

On one hand, the consideration of an arbitrary contact geometry implies that a multitude of individual arbitrarily-shaped contact zones appears, which can split and merge as a result of changes in the normal loading.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the context and ensure that the tone aligns with the rest of your writing. It works well in formal reports, news articles, and academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "a multitude of individuals" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "many people" or "lots of people" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of individuals" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It indicates a large number of people. According to Ludwig AI, it's a formal way of saying "a lot of people" or "many people".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a multitude of individuals" is a noun phrase used to describe a large group of people. It functions in formal contexts, such as science, news media, and academia. While grammatically correct, it's essential to consider the register and avoid overuse in informal settings, as Ludwig AI confirms. Alternative phrases include "many people" or "numerous persons", depending on the desired level of formality. Key sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase in their reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great number of people

Replaces "multitude" with "great number", slightly less formal.

many individuals

Simplifies the phrase by using "many" instead of "a multitude of".

a large quantity of people

Emphasizes the quantity of people, implying a significant amount.

numerous persons

Uses the more formal "persons" instead of "individuals".

a host of people

Uses "host" to convey a large and often celebratory gathering.

a swarm of people

Suggests a large, moving group of people, sometimes with a negative connotation.

crowds of individuals

Focuses on the collective aspect of the group, implying density.

throngs of people

Implies a densely packed and excited crowd.

masses of individuals

Suggests a large, undifferentiated group of people.

droves of people

Conveys a large number of people moving in the same direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a multitude of individuals" to describe a large group of people, as in, "A multitude of individuals attended the conference, eager to learn about the latest advancements in their field."

What are some alternatives to saying "a multitude of individuals"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "many people", "numerous persons", or "a great number of people".

Is "a multitude of individuals" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "a multitude of individuals" is generally considered too formal for everyday conversation. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "many people" or "lots of people" are more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a multitude of individuals" and "a variety of individuals"?

"A multitude of individuals" refers to a large number of people, while "a variety of individuals" refers to a diverse group of people with different backgrounds or characteristics. The former emphasizes quantity, while the latter emphasizes diversity.