a numerous worker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a numerous worker" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not commonly used and may cause confusion, as "numerous" typically describes a quantity rather than a quality of a worker. Example: "In our factory, we have a numerous worker who handles multiple tasks efficiently."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A numerous worker force continuously patrols and efficiently protects young leaves against insect herbivores [26].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For example, bees and other social insects have a single queen and numerous workers acting as servants.

The New York Times - Science

In a move that worried numerous workers, the company said there were no guarantees that the store would remain open if the workers unionized.

The New York Times

Biological samples collected from Australian waters by numerous workers over a long period are held in many repositories.

Plosone

It is clear from the studies shown in this report that the simple expedient of diluting the Taq polymerase preparation is able to accomplish in a straightforward manner what more elaborate procedures by numerous workers (see introduction for references) failed to accomplish: The reliable "treatment-free" attenuation of interference by contaminating bacterial DNA in Taq polymerase preparations.

Plosone

In interviews this week, numerous workers disputed the company's view that morale is high.

The New York Times

Numerous workers complained of low wages and of not receiving health coverage.

The New York Times

Numerous workers at the complex were taken hostage, including citizens of the United States, Britain, Japan, Norway and other countries, the complaint continued.

The New York Times

Some parts of refineries may run nonstop for three to five years, refinery experts say, and when they shut, numerous workers are brought in to do intensive servicing.

The New York Times

It employs numerous workers in the main fishing areas, including the Bay of Fundy, the Northumberland Strait, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Numerous workers have said that they paid as much as $20,000 to Signal's recruiters, many going into debt or selling their homes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "a numerous worker", opt for phrases like "many workers" or "a large workforce" for clarity and better grammatical structure.

Common error

Avoid using "numerous" to describe an individual worker's qualities. "Numerous" indicates quantity. Describe a worker's skills with adjectives like "productive", "efficient", or "skilled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a numerous worker" functions as a noun phrase attempting to describe an individual. However, Ludwig AI flags this usage as incorrect, as 'numerous' is typically used to quantify groups, not to describe individual attributes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a numerous worker" appears in some contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect due to the misuse of "numerous" to describe an individual rather than a group. It is rare in occurrence and should be avoided in favor of more appropriate alternatives like "a large workforce" or "a highly productive worker". The contexts in which it appears range from science to news and encyclopedias, but its unconventional nature makes it a less desirable option for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large workforce

Replaces 'numerous worker' with a more common term for a large group of employees.

a substantial employee base

Uses more formal vocabulary to denote a significant number of employees.

many workers

Simplifies the phrase using a basic quantifier and noun.

a multitude of employees

Employs a more emphatic term ('multitude') to indicate a large quantity of workers.

an extensive staff

Replaces 'workers' with 'staff' for a slightly different nuance, while retaining the sense of a large number.

a considerable number of laborers

Uses synonyms ('considerable,' 'laborers') to convey the idea of many workers.

a vast team of personnel

Employs stronger adjectives ('vast') and different nouns ('team,' 'personnel') to indicate a large group of working individuals.

an army of workers

Uses a metaphor ('army') to dramatically illustrate a large group of workers, implying coordinated action or scale.

a plentiful supply of manpower

Focuses on the availability of workers ('manpower') in abundance, shifting the perspective slightly.

a significant cohort of employees

Replaces the original words with more formal and academic terms, suitable for professional contexts.

FAQs

What's a more appropriate way to describe a large group of workers?

Instead of "a numerous worker", use phrases like "a large workforce", "many workers", or "a substantial employee base".

Is it grammatically correct to use 'numerous' to describe a single person?

No, 'numerous' is generally used to describe a quantity or a group, not an individual. It's more appropriate to use adjectives like "skilled", "dedicated", or "productive" to describe a single worker.

What can I say instead of "a numerous worker" when referring to a single, highly productive employee?

Consider using terms like "a prolific worker", "a highly productive worker", or "an efficient employee".

How does the meaning change if I use "numerous" versus "productive" to describe a worker?

"Numerous" implies a large quantity, while "productive" implies a high output or efficiency. Using "numerous" to describe a single worker is grammatically incorrect. Use "productive" or similar adjectives to describe a worker's output.