by a large number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a large number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is significantly greater in quantity or degree compared to something else. Example: "The new policy was supported by a large number of employees, demonstrating widespread approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

sentiment held by a large number of Scots.

The Washington Post

Participation in these forums is characterized by a large number of postings by a few persons and a small number of postings by a large number of persons.

Harvard University

The results were hit by a large number of exceptional items.

The Guardian - Business

Polls show that these views are shared by a large number of Americans.

The New York Times

The crustal expansion is accompanied by a large number of earthquakes.

University of California, Berkeley

ECCO and SDSx are clusters, shared by a large number of users, and with finite resources.

Cornell University

It would do that even if I replaced nseg by a large number.

Yale University

"This was a service that was very popular and used by a large number of Parisians.

The Guardian

Sharp declines by a large number of stocks do not preclude bear markets.

The New York Times

A metacatalog of products carried by a large number of suppliers can be created.

Harvard Business Review

From Manitoba northwestward, the shield edge is marked by a large number of lakes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a large number" to clearly convey that there is a significant quantity or amount, especially when comparing or contrasting with another quantity.

Common error

While "by a large number" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "many" or "a lot" for a more natural tone in casual conversations or informal texts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a large number" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the extent or degree of change or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by a large number" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express a significant quantity or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, although it might be less common in very informal settings. When aiming for formality, consider alternatives like "by a significant number" or "by a considerable amount". Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a significant number

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the quantity.

by a considerable number

Highlights that the quantity is noteworthy and deserving of attention.

by a substantial number

Indicates the quantity is solid and meaningful.

by a huge number

Stresses the size of the quantity as being remarkably large.

by a vast number

Suggests an immense or extensive quantity.

by a great number

Uses a more general term to indicate a large quantity.

in large quantities

Focuses on the quantity itself rather than the 'by' prepositional phrase.

to a large extent

Shifts the focus to degree or scope rather than exact count.

on a large scale

Highlights the scope or range where something occurs.

by numerous individuals

Specifically indicates a large group of people.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by a large number" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "by a significant number", "by a considerable number", or "by a substantial number".

Is it correct to say "increased by a large number"?

Yes, "increased by a large number" is grammatically correct. It indicates a significant numerical increase. For example, "Sales increased by a large number this quarter".

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

"A large number of" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "a large number of students"), while "a large amount of" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "a large amount of water").

When should I use "by a large number" instead of "many" or "a lot"?

Use "by a large number" when you want to emphasize a precise numerical difference or when comparing quantities. "Many" or "a lot" are more general and less specific. For instance, "The population increased "by a large number", not just "many" new residents arrived".