a multitude of persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a multitude of persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large number of individuals, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The festival attracted a multitude of persons from various backgrounds, all eager to celebrate together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I am massively influenced, but not really by one person or an object, it's a multitude of persons, discussions or things.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, influenza epidemics do not occur in the summer in crowded workplaces or other gatherings, despite the presence of the virus and a multitude of nonimmune persons [6], [7].

Plosone

These people are seeing a multitude of specialists, and one person needs to be the quarterback".

The New York Times

Because a multitude of laws use the terms "person" or "people," there would be no shortage of unintended consequences.

The New York Times

There's a multitude of first- and third-person "Hero" or "MOBA" shooters coming next year, and into 2017, that have similarities to Team Fortress 2, such as Overwatch, Paladins, Paragon, Law Breakers, Battleborn and Battlecry.

Vice

All day that prodigally spreading fountain of stairs had collected the sun-crouching multitude of persons who had no regular or legitimate occupation".

The Guardian - Travel

However, cross-disciplinary design of CPS and the multitude of persons involved in this process increases complexity in (re- engineering dre- engineering

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

She shifts perspective across the album, speaking in the second person to a multitude of audiences: her son, people of color she wants to uplift, white listeners who've condescended to her in the past.

The New Yorker

What happens to the identity of a person when a multitude of people aren't following or liking or paying attention to them?

Huffington Post

Older persons often express a multitude of problems due to age-associated changes, making the diagnosis of depression particularly difficult [ 63 ].

BMC Family Practice

To this remarkable person you add a multitude of people who have doubts about the satisfactoriness of their own love lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the noun it modifies represents distinct, individual people rather than a collective entity. For instance, "a multitude of students" is correct, while "a multitude of the student body" is not.

Common error

Avoid using "a multitude of persons" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "many people" or "a large group" are often more effective in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a multitude of persons" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes a large quantity of individuals, used in a formal context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a multitude of persons" is a phrase used to describe a large number of people, best suited for formal or literary contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct. While less common in everyday speech, it finds its place in news, scientific writing, and formal business communication. When choosing this phrase, consider the formality of your writing and your audience. If aiming for simplicity, consider using alternatives such as "many people" or "a large number of people". Remember that "persons" is generally perceived as more formal than "people".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Many individuals

Replaces "multitude" with "many" and "persons" with "individuals", resulting in a slightly less formal tone.

Numerous people

Uses "numerous" instead of "multitude", creating a more common and less formal expression.

A large number of people

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more straightforward and widely used expression.

A great many people

Similar to "a large number of people" but with a slightly more emphatic tone.

A host of individuals

Employs "host" to convey a large gathering, which is more figurative and less literal.

A throng of people

Suggests a densely packed crowd, emphasizing physical closeness.

A sea of faces

Creates a visual metaphor of a vast crowd, focusing on appearance.

Scores of people

Uses "scores" to indicate a large, indefinite quantity of people.

Crowds of people

Focuses on the gathering of people, implying a public event or situation.

Masses of people

Emphasizes the sheer volume and scale of the crowd, often in a social or political context.

FAQs

What does "a multitude of persons" mean?

The phrase "a multitude of persons" refers to a large number of people. It's a more formal way of saying "many people" or "a large group of people".

When is it appropriate to use "a multitude of persons"?

This phrase is best suited for formal writing, speeches, or situations where a more elevated or literary tone is desired. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "a multitude of persons"?

Some alternatives include "many people", "numerous individuals", "a large number of people", or "a great many people". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "a multitude of persons" interchangeable with "a multitude of people"?

While both phrases convey a large number, "persons" is generally considered more formal and less common than "people". In most modern contexts, "a multitude of people" is more widely accepted.