appear in large numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

"appear in large numbers" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to physically or visibly show up in a significant amount. Example: "During the summer months, tourists from all over the world appear in large numbers in New York City, eager to explore its famous landmarks and lively atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It will be ill-equipped to deal with recalcitrant taxpayers should they appear in large numbers.

The Guardian - Opinion

They often appear in large numbers with the same orientation in drumlin fields.

MIT Technology Review

The industry nearly came to a halt in September when dead lobsters began to appear in large numbers.

The New York Times

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) respond to the presence of specific chemoattractants and begin to appear in large numbers.

Journal of Surgical Research

A. Horses, and the heavier, more powerful steam engines they were needed to pull, did not appear in large numbers in the city until after 1865.

The New York Times

Certain springtails known as snow fleas are active at near-freezing temperatures and may appear in large numbers on snow surfaces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Out-of-towners like Rachelle Munson, a lawyer who began coming to church here in 1993, started to appear in larger numbers, and residents started to revalue the past.

The New York Times

Now on its annual visit, the lion's mane (Cyanea capillata) is beginning to appear in larger numbers, along with the sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha), a jellyfish that has been sighted less frequently.

The New York Times

"They are a scarce winter visitor but do on occasions appear in larger numbers," said Peter Hayman, from Rare Bird Alerts.

BBC

RNs recount how patients, even children, are appearing in large numbers with stress-related illnesses.

The Guardian - Opinion

This recent immigration is not without precedent, as the moth has appeared in large numbers before".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sudden increase in something, consider using "appear in large numbers" to convey the immediate and noticeable presence of that thing.

Common error

Avoid substituting "appear" with verbs that imply agency or intentionality when describing inanimate objects or abstract concepts. For example, instead of saying "Problems emerged in large numbers," use "Problems appeared in large numbers" to maintain a neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear in large numbers" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the manner in which something becomes visible or present. It often modifies a noun, describing a notable or significant increase in quantity. Ludwig provides ample examples showcasing its descriptive capabilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appear in large numbers" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a notable increase in the presence of something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples across various domains. It functions as a verb phrase, offering a neutral tone suitable for contexts ranging from News & Media to Science. When writing, remember to avoid substituting "appear" with verbs that imply agency in non-agentive contexts. Alternatives like "be present in substantial numbers" or "emerge in great quantities" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its high frequency and widespread use across authoritative sources underscore its validity and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be present in substantial numbers

Highlights the significant quantity of something being present.

emerge in great quantities

Focuses on the abundance and emergence, emphasizing a sudden arrival.

materialize in abundance

Highlights the plentiful manifestation of something, suggesting a more abstract appearance.

surface in significant quantities

Emphasizes the act of coming to the surface or becoming visible in notable amounts.

become widespread

Shifts the focus from appearance to prevalence, indicating a broad distribution.

proliferate rapidly

Highlights rapid growth or multiplication, implying a quick increase in numbers.

swarm

Implies a dense, moving gathering, typically used for insects or people.

flock

Suggests gathering in a group, often used for birds or people moving towards a specific location.

congregate en masse

Indicates gathering together in a large group, emphasizing the collective aspect.

become highly prevalent

Focuses on the high degree of commonness or occurrence, shifting the emphasis from appearance to frequency.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "appear in large numbers"?

You can use alternatives such as "be present in substantial numbers", "emerge in great quantities", or "become widespread depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "appear in large numbers"?

Yes, "appear in large numbers" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples of its use.

What does "appear in large numbers" mean?

It means to become visible or present in a significant quantity, suggesting a noticeable increase in the presence of something.

What's the difference between "appear in large numbers" and "appear in small numbers"?

"Appear in large numbers" indicates a high quantity or frequency of occurrence, while "appear in small numbers" indicates a low quantity or infrequent occurrence. The key difference is the scale of presence.