a substantial crowd of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial crowd of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of people gathered in one place, often in the context of events or gatherings. Example: "During the concert, a substantial crowd of fans gathered outside the venue, eagerly waiting for the doors to open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A substantial crowd of photographers has now gathered outside.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's the other Chiwetel Ejiofor film at Toronto this year; and though 12 Years a Slave dominated headlines, Sun was met with a rapturous reception by a substantial crowd that included many of Toronto's Nigerian expat community.

The Guardian - Film

During his debut HARD appearance, Yin serenaded a substantial crowd with a buffet spread of dreamy computer beats, moving through a number of his well-received remixes (that Janet Jackson flip still goes off as well as it did over a year ago) and Tumblr-y originals.

Vice

Just before 10am on the day of the ceremony a substantial crowd is packed into the pen outside the Star casino, perky and alert like meerkats, but just as quiet.

The Guardian - Music

Not a re-enactment of Tahrir Square, for sure, but a substantial crowd all the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

A substantial crowd has gathered outside Scots' Chruch to provide a guard of honour for the funeral procession.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, a substantial crowd, sitting under umbrellas, responded enthusiastically.

The New York Times - Arts

But Ms. Martinez drew a substantial crowd, a sign that she is siphoning off Democratic votes from Ms. Denish.

The New York Times

I noticed a large number of tattoos in the substantial crowd of spectators, though most were along the lines of New Age tattoos.

The New York Times

There's also an ongoing cult of heritage-synth acts like Gary Numan that draws substantial crowds of fans in local industrial and EBM clubs and parties such as Complex and Das Bunker.

Los Angeles Times

However, there is substantial crowd-out of private consumption of preschool.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the size of a crowd, use "a substantial crowd of" to convey a significant, but not necessarily overwhelming, number. It's more impactful than "a small crowd" and less hyperbolic than "a massive crowd".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial crowd of" when the actual number is relatively small. Overstating the size can diminish credibility. Ensure your description aligns with the true scale of the gathering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial crowd of" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a notable gathering of people, indicating a size that is more than just a few individuals, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial crowd of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a significant gathering of people. According to Ludwig's analysis, the phrase accurately describes the size of such a gathering, without exaggeration. Predominantly found in contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Science, this phrase is appropriate for use in various writing styles, maintaining a neutral register. Remember to use this phrase when you need to convey a large and noteworthy, but not necessarily overwhelming, number of people. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase, noting its function as a standard noun phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant gathering of

Replaces 'substantial crowd' with 'significant gathering', changing both adjective and noun for a slightly more formal tone.

a massive gathering of

Replaces 'substantial' with 'massive', which emphasizes the size and impact of the crowd.

a large group of people

Uses simpler vocabulary ('large' instead of 'substantial', 'people' instead of 'crowd') for broader accessibility.

a packed assembly of

Substitutes 'substantial crowd' with 'packed assembly' implying the crowd occupies space fully and tightly.

a considerable number of individuals

Employs more formal terms ('considerable', 'individuals') to convey a similar meaning in a professional context.

a sizable assembly of

Substitutes 'substantial crowd' with 'sizable assembly', providing a slightly elevated and less common expression.

a noteworthy multitude of

Substitutes 'substantial crowd' with 'noteworthy multitude', suggesting the crowd is remarkable or important.

an impressive throng of

Replaces 'substantial crowd' with 'impressive throng', adding a sense of awe and a slightly archaic feel.

a vast concourse of

Employs 'vast concourse' to describe a large and open gathering, possibly implying movement or passage.

a sea of faces

Uses a metaphorical expression, indicating a vast, indistinct crowd.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial crowd of" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial crowd of" to describe a significant gathering of people, for example: "A substantial crowd of protesters gathered outside the government building".

What can I say instead of "a substantial crowd of"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant gathering of", "a large group of people", or "a considerable number of individuals" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a substantial crowd of" or "a large crowd of"?

Both "a substantial crowd of" and "a large crowd of" are correct. "Substantial" implies a considerable or significant amount, while "large" simply indicates size. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a substantial crowd of" and "a sea of faces"?

"A substantial crowd of" refers to a sizable gathering, while "a sea of faces" is a metaphor for a very large, often undifferentiated, crowd, where individual faces are difficult to distinguish.