a plethora

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'plethora' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an abundance of something. For example: At the market, there was a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A plethora of sponsors has pulled out.

The Economist

Adequate capital hides a plethora of sins.

The New York Times

There is, instead, a plethora of paths.

The New Yorker

Nigeria offered a plethora of outstanding books.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I've got a plethora of problems.

The Guardian - Tech

"It was a plethora of things.

The New Yorker

"There's a plethora of Off Broadway".

The New York Times

"Plethora", for a plethora of reasons.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

and a plethora of d.school contributors.

Stanford University

This suggests a plethora of prison-related mascot names.

The New York Times

This opened up a plethora of new design possibilities.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plethora" to emphasize a large and often excessive quantity of something, adding a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a plethora" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "an abundance", "a multitude", or "a wealth" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plethora" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a large or excessive amount of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to describe an abundance. It is typically followed by 'of' and a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plethora" is a phrase used to indicate a large or excessive amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of numerous examples reveals it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While effective for emphasizing abundance, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "an abundance" or "a multitude" for variety. Remember to always follow it with the preposition "of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abundance

Emphasizes the plentiful quantity of something.

a great number

Focuses on the large count or quantity.

a wide array

Highlights the diverse range of items or options.

a rich supply

Suggests an abundant and valuable source.

a profusion

Implies an overflowing or extravagant quantity.

a wealth

Indicates a large amount, often implying value or richness.

a cornucopia

Evokes an image of overflowing abundance and variety.

a hoard

Suggests a gathered or stored quantity, often secretively.

a surplus

Focuses on the excess or extra quantity.

copious amounts

Highlights the extensive quantity of something.

FAQs

How do you use "a plethora" in a sentence?

You can use "a plethora" to describe a large or excessive amount of something. For example, "The conference offered a plethora of workshops".

What can I say instead of "a plethora"?

You can use alternatives like "an abundance", "a multitude", or "a wealth" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "plethora of"?

Yes, it is correct to say "a plethora of". The word "plethora" requires a preposition to connect it to the noun it modifies.

What's the difference between "a plethora" and "many"?

"A plethora" indicates a large or excessive amount, whereas "many" simply indicates a large number. "A plethora" is often used to emphasize abundance or excess.