a very large number

USAGE SUMMARY

'a very large number' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large quantity of something. For example, "Only a very large number of people attended the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

No, but a very large number do".

The New York Times

"I think it is a very large number".

The New York Times

That is a very large number of persuadable voters.

The Guardian

But that is what a very large number of voters want to hear.

The New Yorker

A hundred times a hundred billion is a very large number.

The Guardian

These are supplemented by a very large number of interviews conducted specifically for the book.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It has a very large number of patients and it is scientifically rigorous".

The New York Times - Health

"We would expect a very large number of extension requests because of this," Mr. Carey said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is a very large number of metal chalcogenides.

Wikipedia

It's a very large number of very small things".

Forbes

This first model employs a very large number of descriptors.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For emphasis, consider using stronger synonyms like "vast", "immense", or "countless" depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "amount" when referring to countable items. "Amount" is for uncountable nouns (e.g., "a large amount of water"), while "number" is for countable nouns (e.g., "a large number of books").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very large number" functions as a determiner phrase quantifying countable nouns. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. It adds emphasis to the quantity being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very large number" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a substantial quantity of countable items. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples highlight its versatility across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While it's generally appropriate, consider using more specific quantifiers or stronger adjectives for greater impact. Be mindful of the distinction between "number" (for countable nouns) and "amount" (for uncountable nouns). Alternatives like "a great many" or "numerous" can also be effective substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great many

Uses a more formal and emphatic expression to indicate a large quantity.

a significant quantity

Replaces "number" with "quantity" and "very large" with "significant", emphasizing the amount rather than the count.

a vast quantity

Emphasizes the immensity of the quantity.

a multitude of

Implies a very large and diverse collection of items.

an abundance of

Suggests a plentiful and overflowing amount.

a considerable amount

Shifts the focus to "amount" instead of "number", suitable when referring to uncountable things.

a high volume of

Indicates a large quantity, often used in business or technical contexts.

a substantial portion

Focuses on the part that is large, rather than the total count.

countless occurrences

Implies the number is so high it's impossible or impractical to count.

numerous instances

Replaces "number" with "instances", appropriate when discussing occurrences or examples.

FAQs

How can I use "a very large number" in a sentence?

You can use "a very large number" to describe a quantity that is substantial or significant. For example, "A very large number of students attended the lecture."

What's the difference between "a very large number" and "a very large amount"?

"A very large number" is used with countable nouns, while "a very large amount" is used with uncountable nouns. For example, you'd say "a very large number of books" but "a very large amount of water."

What are some alternatives to saying "a very large number"?

You can use alternatives like "a great many", "numerous", or "a multitude of" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a very large number"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but it can sometimes be less impactful than using a more specific quantifier or a stronger adjective. Consider whether a more precise or vivid term might be more appropriate.