a plethora of documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plethora of documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large or excessive number of documents available or required for a particular purpose. Example: "The research team was overwhelmed by a plethora of documents that needed to be reviewed before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As disappointing as it was to learn that Einstein didn't pen the letter, it was equally exciting to discover a plethora of documents I hadn't even known existed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In this review, a plethora of documented electrospun ceria-based nanofibers are mapped for the first time and an emphasis is given to their preparation methods.

Surface and Coatings Technology

There are a plethora of documented connections between sRNAs and stress, where sRNAs regulate important processes in response to metabolite/nutrient, envelope/outer membrane, oxidative, iron deficiency, anaerobic and pH stress [ 18, 19].

BMC Genomics

Evidence for this includes the failure to identify common receptor candidates [ 20, 21, 59], the lack of any obvious ligand-binding cleft in the structure of gp64 [ 13], non-saturable binding of AcMNPV to cell surfaces [ 10], a plethora of documented entry routes [ 11, 17, 18] and the ability of gp64 to fuse at both the plasma and endosomal membranes [ 19].

Bioscience Reports

Now we have Ford bobbleheads, or "Robbie Bobbies," and a plethora of GIFs documenting Ford's goofy antics.

Huffington Post

Despite a plethora of studies documenting rampant discrimination, and many companies increasing efforts to diversify their staff, bias in hiring is still very real.

Vice

There is a plethora of published literature documenting the ability of ENPs to penetrate biological barriers and initiate a cascade of events, possibly leading to adverse health effects.

ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering

20 There is a plethora of published data documenting that, for HIV-infected individuals who experience problems taking ARV medications as prescribed, becoming adherent to ARV therapy is a life-saving behavior change.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

The framework is also supported by a plethora of practical tools, guidance documents and examples of good practice available on a central website.

British Medical Journal

As the U.S. Government Accountability Office (2005) has documented, a plethora of state and federal disability support programs create service overlaps and gaps, and conflicting objectives.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human infection with a plethora of simian retroviruses is well documented and has led to global pandemics, exemplified by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and local outbreaks, as occurs with simian foamy virus (SFV), simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV) and occasionally simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV).

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plethora of documents" to indicate a large, almost excessive, number of documents when you want to emphasize the abundance. This phrase adds a touch of formality and can be more impactful than simpler alternatives like "many documents".

Common error

Avoid using "a plethora of documents" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your language by using synonyms like "an abundance of documents" or "a large quantity of documents" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plethora of documents" functions as a noun phrase, where "plethora" acts as the head noun modified by the adjective "a", and "documents" serves as a post-modifier specifying what the plethora consists of. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plethora of documents" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a large quantity of documents. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "many documents", it adds a touch of formality and emphasis. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if the slightly elevated tone of "plethora" is appropriate, or if a more straightforward term would be more effective. Remember to avoid overuse, and consider synonyms to enhance readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large number of documents

Replaces "plethora" with a more common synonym, "large number".

an abundance of documents

Substitutes "plethora" with "abundance", emphasizing the ample quantity.

a multitude of documents

Uses "multitude" instead of "plethora", indicating a great number.

a great quantity of documents

Replaces "plethora" with "great quantity", focusing on the amount.

numerous documents

Simplifies the phrase to a single adjective modifying "documents".

a wealth of documents

Employs "wealth" to suggest a rich and plentiful supply of documents.

a vast collection of documents

Highlights the extensive nature of the document collection.

a mountain of documents

Uses a metaphorical "mountain" to convey the overwhelming quantity of documents.

a sea of documents

Similar to "mountain", this uses "sea" to suggest a vast and expansive quantity.

an extensive array of documents

Replaces "plethora" with "extensive array", emphasizing the diverse and comprehensive nature of documents.

FAQs

How can I use "a plethora of documents" in a sentence?

You can use "a plethora of documents" to describe a situation where there are many documents available, such as "The lawyer had to review "a plethora of documents" before the trial".

What are some alternatives to "a plethora of documents"?

Some alternatives to "a plethora of documents" include "an abundance of documents", "a large number of documents", or "numerous documents".

Is it better to say "a plethora of documents" or "many documents"?

"A plethora of documents" is more formal and emphasizes the excessiveness of the number. "Many documents" is simpler and more neutral. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What does "plethora" actually mean in the phrase "a plethora of documents"?

In this phrase, "plethora" signifies a large or excessive amount. Therefore, "a plethora of documents" indicates a large or excessive amount of documents.