a myriad of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a myriad of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase usually connotes a large, diverse, and limitless quantity of something. For example, "The book had a myriad of characters, each with their own story to tell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A myriad of obstacles beset them.

The New York Times

There are a myriad of factors.

The New York Times - Sports

A myriad of men and women.

The Guardian - Music

"They can ask a seller a myriad of questions.

The New York Times

Favourites – we use them for a myriad of reasons.

The Guardian - Tech

Britain's housing nightmare fuels a myriad of other social crises.

Independent

There are a myriad of problems with this approach.

Independent

Yet that discipline can take a myriad of forms.

Independent

The kids were developing a myriad of life skills".

The New York Times

Such data standards would create a myriad of benefits.

The Guardian - Opinion

In so doing he triggers a myriad of interlocking subplots.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a myriad of" to add vividness to your writing when describing a large and diverse collection of items, ideas, or elements. This phrase works well to create a sense of richness and complexity in your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "a myriad of" when a simpler, more direct expression like "many" or "several" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious. Reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize the diversity and abundance of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a myriad of" functions as a determiner or quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a large and indefinite number. It adds emphasis to the abundance or variety of something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a myriad of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a large and diverse number of things. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While "a myriad of" is a strong and descriptive phrase, it's important to use it judiciously and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "many" or "numerous" when the diversity aspect isn't crucial. Remember that while phrases like "myriads of" are technically correct, "a myriad of" is the more common and contemporary choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of

Emphasizes a very large number, similar to "a myriad of", but can sometimes imply a greater sense of being uncountable.

a wealth of

Suggests a rich or abundant supply, often implying value or desirability.

a host of

Implies a large number, often suggesting a gathering or collection.

a great number of

A more straightforward and less figurative way to express a large quantity.

a wide array of

Highlights the diversity and range within a large group.

a diverse range of

Similar to "a wide array of", emphasizing variety and difference.

numerous

A concise way to indicate a large number, suitable for more formal contexts.

plenty of

Suggests an ample supply, often used in a more informal context.

a cornucopia of

Evokes an image of abundance and overflowing supply, more figurative than "a myriad of".

various

Highlights the presence of different types or kinds.

FAQs

How can I use "a myriad of" in a sentence?

Use "a myriad of" followed by a noun to describe a large and diverse collection or range of things. For example, "The city offers "a myriad of" dining options" or "The project involves "a myriad of" challenges".

What are some alternatives to using "a myriad of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a multitude of", "a wealth of", "numerous", or simply "many".

Is it correct to say "myriads of" instead of "a myriad of"?

While "myriads of" is grammatically correct, "a myriad of" is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Myriads of" may sound slightly archaic or formal.

What is the difference between "a myriad of" and "many"?

"Many" simply indicates a large number. "A myriad of" suggests not only a large number but also diversity and variety. It's a more evocative and descriptive phrase than "many".