a vast multitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast multitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of people or things, often in a context where the size or scale is significant. Example: "During the festival, a vast multitude gathered to celebrate and enjoy the festivities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There is a vast multitude of "lost" Russian classics.

The Guardian

"In order to survive in a vast multitude of different races and cultures, we had to formulate certain rules," he said.

The New York Times

In ad 64 a fire destroyed much of Rome; the emperor Nero, in order to escape blame, killed a "vast multitude" of Christians as scapegoats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

APART, perhaps, from tablets of stone dictated by the Almighty on a mountain top, no better way has yet been found to convey a simple message to a vast multitude than broadcast television.

The Economist

While the Lagrangian formalism is well adapted to evaluating mechanical systems of particles, it is not as well suited to evaluating some transfers of energy, which involve calculations over a vast multitude of molecules.

SEP

After all, the revelations from Edward Snowden appear to show that, in a vast multitude of ways, the NSA completely disregarded its mandate and US law in surveilling Americans and foreigners.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Indeed, there are some among this vast multitude who never saw a pencil nor would they know how to use one.

Forbes

"To the vast multitude who voted against me, I shall work to earn your trust," he added.

The Guardian

These serve as sorts under which we rank all the vast multitude of particular existences.

SEP

The vast multitude of liberal Democrats look to prominent liberal "public intellectual" economists to tell them what's what on economic policy.

Huffington Post

Owing to technical limitations, such approaches ignore the vast multitude of traits possessed by pathogens that could otherwise be used for a substantially improved understanding of their identity, virulence, and transmission.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast multitude" to emphasize the sheer size or scale of a group, especially when the size is a significant factor in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast multitude" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "many people" or "a large number" would suffice. It can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast multitude" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it describes a large quantity or number, emphasizing scale. For instance, "To the vast multitude who voted against me..."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vast multitude" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize a large quantity or number of people or things. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming its function in highlighting scale. While grammatically correct and versatile, it tends to appear in more formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, or scientific writing, and using it inappropriately can sound overwrought. Consider alternatives like "a great number" or "a large crowd" for simpler situations. Understanding the nuances of this phrase will allow for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of

Synonymous, but slightly less emphatic than "vast".

a great number

Emphasizes quantity but is more general.

a large crowd

Specifically refers to a large gathering of people.

a sea of people

Uses a metaphor to describe a very large group of people.

a host of

Implies a large and organized group.

innumerable people

Highlights the countability of the quantity.

countless individuals

Similar to "innumerable", but emphasizes individuals.

a legion of

Suggests a large, often organized group, sometimes with military connotations.

a swarm of

Describes a large group, often moving chaotically.

an abundance of

Focuses on the plentiful nature, rather than just the number.

FAQs

How can I use "a vast multitude" in a sentence?

You can use "a vast multitude" to describe a very large group of people or things, especially when you want to emphasize the scale. For example, "A vast multitude of stars filled the night sky".

What are some alternatives to "a vast multitude"?

Some alternatives include "a great number", "a large crowd", or "a sea of people", depending on the specific context.

Is "a vast multitude" formal or informal?

"A vast multitude" leans toward the formal side, suitable for academic writing, news reports, or other professional contexts. Simpler phrases may be better for informal situations.

What's the difference between "a multitude" and "a vast multitude"?

While both refer to a large number, "a vast multitude" emphasizes the sheer size or scale of the group, suggesting it's exceptionally large. "A multitude" simply indicates a large number without necessarily implying extreme size.