colossal number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large quantity of something. For example, "The amount of energy wasted each year is a colossal number."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

For example, multiplying two enormous prime numbers together to get a third colossal number is easy.

The Economist

But, analysing a colossal number produced in this way and trying to determine its prime factors is colossally difficult.

The Economist

Similarly, there's a colossal number of characters, and yet they're all distinctive, and the actors have fun with their roles.

Independent

The video, released on a Facebook page with no official link to the campaign, has had some 270,000 views, a colossal number for Denmark.

Independent

For sure the system is partly at fault here: students these days are expected to take a colossal number of exams all in one sitting.

The Guardian

Graeme Virtue Most of Indonesia's 17,000-odd 17,000-odde unislandsed by humare, leaving a colossal nuninhabitedat are effectively pristine and rarely bythumanswileavingreserves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Then he sets forth colossal numbers that are "so extreme that they defy analogy".

The New York Times - Books

Because so few of us have personal experience with the colossal numbers in government budgets, the figures can seem abstract.

The New York Times

Our skins are smeared with a thin film of microbial life, with ever greater numbers occupying every orifice and employed in colossal numbers in our guts.

The Guardian - Books

The force has invested in dealing with heavy drug users (who can commit colossal numbers of crimes), offering clinics for testing.

The Economist

It's not an exaggeration to say that colossal numbers of species are going extinct across the world, and many more are increasingly threatened and risk extinction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "colossal number" to emphasize not only the large quantity but also the impressiveness or unexpectedness of the amount. For example: "The museum boasts a colossal number of artifacts from ancient civilizations."

Common error

Avoid using "colossal number" in very informal or casual conversations. Simpler terms like "a lot" or "many" might be more appropriate in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal number" functions as a quantifier, specifically used to emphasize the exceptionally large size or quantity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and serves to amplify the sense of scale.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "colossal number" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a quantity that is exceptionally large and impressive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English to add emphasis to scale or magnitude. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedias, reflecting its versatility across different domains. Alternatives such as "immense quantity" or "massive amount" can be used for similar effect. When employing the phrase, ensure that it aligns with the context and desired tone, avoiding overuse in overly informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense quantity

Focuses on the sheer size of the quantity, emphasizing its vastness.

massive amount

Highlights the substantial nature of the quantity, suggesting a significant impact.

huge quantity

Similar to 'massive amount', but less formal and emphasizes the size.

vast quantity

Emphasizes the extensive and widespread nature of the quantity.

enormous quantity

Stresses the exceptionally large size of the quantity.

substantial figure

Highlights the importance of the quantity, implying it is significant.

significant amount

Similar to 'substantial figure', emphasizing the importance and impact.

considerable quantity

Indicates a notable amount, often used in more formal contexts.

remarkable quantity

Highlights that the number is worthy of attention.

tremendous quantity

Shows the extraordinary size of the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "colossal number" in a sentence?

You can use "colossal number" to describe a very large quantity of something, emphasizing its impressiveness. For example, "The library houses a "colossal number" of books on various subjects."

What are some alternatives to using "colossal number"?

Alternatives include "immense quantity", "massive amount", or "huge quantity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "colossal number" in formal writing?

Yes, "colossal number" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the significant or impressive nature of a large quantity.

What is the difference between "colossal number" and "large number"?

"Colossal number" implies a quantity that is not just large, but also striking or astonishing. "Large number" is a more general term for simply indicating a quantity that is greater than average.