billions of

USAGE SUMMARY

"billions of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to give numerical context to a noun, similar to "hundreds of" or "millions of". For example, "Billions of dollars of aid have been sent to developing countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sometimes billions of them.

The New York Times

Billions of dollars were wasted.

The Economist

Billions of euros are missing.

The Economist

They spent billions of dollars.

The New York Times

Many, many billions of dollars".

The New York Times

There were, like, billions of people.

The New Yorker

Even if it costs billions of dollars.

The Economist

It is taking billions of dollars.

Independent

C.D.M. projects represent billions of dollars.

The New York Times

But these will cost billions of dollars.

The Economist

Billions of different actors are involved.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "billions of", ensure the context clearly implies a very large number, specifically in the range of 1,000,000,000 or more. Use precise figures when accuracy is essential to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "billions of" hyperbolically when a smaller order of magnitude (e.g., millions) would be more accurate. Exaggerated estimates can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "billions of" functions as a quantifier, specifying an extremely large quantity of the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It is similar in function to other quantifiers such as "hundreds of" or "millions of".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "billions of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a very large quantity, specifically amounts numbering in the billions. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and appropriate expression. It commonly appears in news, business, and scientific contexts, emphasizing scale and impact. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended magnitude and context, and consider precise numerical figures when accuracy is paramount. Alternatives such as "millions upon millions of" or "countless numbers of" can serve in situations where less precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

millions upon millions of

Stresses a number significantly larger than just millions, less precise than "billions of".

an enormous quantity of

Highlights the sheer size and impressiveness of the quantity.

a vast quantity of

Focuses on the great amount or size of something, suitable for bulk substances.

a staggering number of

Emphasizes the surprising or shocking nature of the large quantity.

a tremendous volume of

Suggests a very large quantity, especially in terms of bulk or space occupied.

countless numbers of

Implies a very large, indefinite number, more emphatic than simply 'many'.

uncountable amounts of

Denotes a quantity so large it's impossible or impractical to count.

a multitude of

Indicates a large, unspecified quantity, suitable for both physical and abstract things.

substantial quantities of

Highlights a large but not necessarily astronomical amount; suitable for practical contexts.

innumerable instances of

Highlights the repetitive occurrence of something, emphasizing frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "billions of" in a sentence?

Use "billions of" to quantify a noun, indicating a large amount. For example, "Billions of dollars are spent annually on research" or "billions of people use social media daily".

What's the difference between "millions of" and "billions of"?

"Millions of" refers to amounts in the range of one million (1,000,000) to nine hundred ninety-nine million (999,999,999). "Billions of" refers to amounts from one billion (1,000,000,000) upwards. Use the term that accurately reflects the quantity you're describing.

What are some alternatives to using "billions of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "countless numbers of", "a multitude of", or more specific numerical figures if known. The best choice depends on the level of precision required.

Is it appropriate to use "billions of" in informal writing?

Yes, it is generally acceptable in informal writing to convey a very large quantity. However, consider whether a more descriptive or precise term might be more effective for your audience.