as numerous as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as numerous as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare quantities, indicating that one thing is equal in number to another. Example: "The stars in the sky are as numerous as the grains of sand on the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They seem as numerous as all humanity.

The Guardian - Arts

The sceptics are almost as numerous as the enthusiasts.

The Guardian

Almost as numerous as San Pio sightings are Puglia's trulli.

The Guardian - Travel

His headlines were nearly as numerous as his hits.

The New York Times

Bystanders looked on, almost as numerous as the marchers.

The Guardian

Today, they are as numerous as they are irreverent.

The Economist

The reasons they give for turning me down are as numerous as the rejection letters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recent warnings about Russia's behaviour have become as numerous as they have been, at times, alarmist.

The Guardian - Opinion

J'aime the dogs and cats of the neighborhood, as numerous as the children.

The New Yorker

Intermediate greens in infinite gradations, subtle and distinct, as numerous as all the names of God.

The New Yorker

Yet though nearly twice as numerous as their attackers, the British lost Crete.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as numerous as", ensure that the two things being compared are logically comparable and that the comparison enhances understanding.

Common error

Don't use "as numerous as" if the comparison is unclear or meaningless. For instance, avoid saying 'the options are as numerous as the stars' if you can't relate it to something more specific or relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as numerous as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to emphasize a large quantity by drawing a parallel between two entities. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to describe things that are abundant or plentiful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as numerous as" is a versatile comparative phrase used to emphasize a large quantity by drawing a comparison. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure your comparison is both logical and clear to enhance the impact. Consider alternatives like "as plentiful as" or "countless" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as plentiful as

Replaces 'numerous' with 'plentiful', emphasizing abundance and availability.

as abundant as

Similar to 'plentiful', but suggests a naturally rich supply.

as copious as

Highlights a large quantity, often more than sufficient.

as countless as

Emphasizes the inability to count due to the vast quantity.

as myriad as

Suggests a great number of diverse elements.

as frequent as

Shifts focus to the high occurrence rate rather than sheer quantity.

as many as

A simpler, more direct way to express a large quantity.

in abundance

Indicates a plentiful supply, removing the direct comparison.

teeming with

Implies an area is full and overflowing.

replete with

Suggests being fully or abundantly provided with something.

FAQs

How can I use "as numerous as" in a sentence?

You can use "as numerous as" to compare the quantity of two things. For example, "The reasons for the delay were "as numerous as the sand on the beach"".

What are some alternatives to "as numerous as"?

Alternatives include "as plentiful as", "as abundant as", or "countless", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more numerous than" instead of "as numerous as"?

Yes, "more numerous than" is a valid alternative, but it implies a difference in quantity, whereas "as numerous as" suggests the quantities are approximately equal. For example, "There are more cars than trucks on the road" versus "The number of cars is "as numerous as the trucks"".

When should I use "as numerous as" versus "very many"?

"As numerous as" is best when you want to draw a comparison to emphasize the quantity. "Very many" simply indicates a large quantity without a specific point of reference or comparison. "The stars are "very many"" versus "The stars are "as numerous as grains of sand"".