by a plethora of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a plethora of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is caused or influenced by a large number of things or factors. Example: "The success of the project was driven by a plethora of innovative ideas and contributions from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Endive was rendered irresistible by a plethora of blue cheese and walnuts.

The New York Times - Food

There was a brief silence shattered by a plethora of questions.

The Guardian

Already professionals are weighed down by a plethora of statutory guidelines about reporting abuse.

Independent

Everywhere are brand-name materials provided by a plethora of companies.

The New York Times

Today, interestingly, that power has been discovered by a plethora of people who have little to do with literature.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the jury is still out on social media's effectiveness, as evidenced by a plethora of missteps committed by journalists.

The New York Times

He'll be joined by a plethora of special guests with left-of-center leanings, including the guitarist Elliott Sharp.

The New Yorker

They comment on how the Curry awards were always attended by a plethora of shadow cabinet members.

The Guardian - Opinion

My personal impression of this visit is that the protracted period of silence is now being replaced by a plethora of voices on both sides.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having recently invested in a new printer and a digital camera, I find myself confronted by a plethora of photo editing software that came with the hardware.

The New York Times - Tech

Evolutionary psychologists have long toyed with that idea, as witnessed by a plethora of studies linking human intelligence and sexual selection.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the noun following it is plural or non-countable. For example: "by a plethora of challenges" or "by a plethora of information".

Common error

Avoid using "by a plethora of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "many" or "a lot of" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a plethora of" functions as a prepositional modifier, specifically indicating that something is affected, influenced, or characterized by a large number or variety of things. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by a plethora of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate that something is influenced or characterized by a large number of things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and useful phrase. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, this phrase suits formal writing contexts. To maintain natural language flow, avoid overusing it in casual conversations, where simpler alternatives like "many" or "a lot of" might be more appropriate. While the phrase enjoys a high frequency across varied sources, writers should mind the tone and context for its best usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a multitude of

Replaces "plethora" with "multitude", emphasizing a large number.

by an abundance of

Substitutes "plethora" with "abundance", stressing a plentiful amount.

by a wealth of

Replaces "plethora" with "wealth", suggesting a rich supply or large quantity.

by a great number of

Offers a more direct and less figurative alternative.

by a large quantity of

Similar to "great number", but uses "quantity" to emphasize amount.

by a host of

Replaces "plethora" with "host", implying a large group or collection.

by numerous

A more concise and direct alternative, omitting "a" and "of".

by a myriad of

Employs "myriad" to convey a vast and countless number.

by a profusion of

Suggests an overflowing or extravagant amount.

by a wide range of

Indicates variety and scope, rather than sheer quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "by a plethora of" in a sentence?

You can use "by a plethora of" to indicate that something is affected or influenced by a large number of things. For instance, "The project's success was driven by "by a plethora of" factors, including funding, skilled personnel, and innovative ideas."

What's a simpler alternative to "by a plethora of"?

If you want a less formal option, consider using phrases like "many", "a lot of", or "numerous" instead of "by a plethora of".

Is it ever incorrect to use "by a plethora of"?

While grammatically correct, "by a plethora of" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Choose your words based on the context. Alternatives like "many", "a lot of", or "numerous" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "by a plethora of" and "by a multitude of"?

Both phrases suggest a large quantity. "By a plethora of" emphasizes abundance, while "by a multitude of" focuses on the sheer number of items or factors involved. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight abundance or numerical significance.