countless numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

"countless numbers" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large but unspecified or uncountable number, usually of people or things. For example: "The streets were filled with countless numbers of people celebrating the win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There remain countless numbers who think, "Midfielder".

The New Yorker

Countless numbers of people move to a higher living standard.

The New York Times - Magazine

I knew countless numbers of people were praying for me.

The Guardian

When the Miao were eventually defeated in 1872, however, countless numbers of them were massacred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Countless numbers have gained mass popularity on websites such as change.org and ipetition.

Independent

Countless numbers of participants are left with permanent scarring or deformity.

The Guardian - Opinion

And in the course of my career, I have voted for countless numbers of tax cuts.

The New York Times

Countless numbers of rabbis benefited from his devotion, advice and counsel.

The New York Times

Portraits like these were turned out in countless numbers every year.

The New York Times - Books

And as a result of that, countless numbers of children were harmed".

The New York Times

Countless numbers of them, deep and shallow, together with the pores, give every region of the body a characteristic topography.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "countless numbers" when you want to emphasize that the quantity is not only large but also indefinite and impossible to determine precisely. It's effective for creating a sense of scale.

Common error

While "countless numbers" is generally acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact. In formal writing, consider using more precise language or specific estimates where possible to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "countless numbers" functions as a quantifier, indicating a very large, indefinite quantity. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe something that is too numerous to count, emphasizing the vastness or abundance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "countless numbers" is a versatile quantifier used to express a large, indefinite quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "countless numbers" effectively conveys a sense of immensity, it's important to consider the context and audience. In formal or scientific writing, more precise quantifiers or estimates might be preferable. Alternatives like "myriad numbers" or "innumerable amounts" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Use "countless numbers" when emphasizing scale without needing precise figures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

myriad numbers

Replaces "countless" with "myriad", suggesting a vast and diverse quantity.

uncountable instances

Focuses on the inability to count or enumerate the occurrences.

innumerable amounts

Substitutes both words, offering a more formal and emphatic alternative, with slightly different wording.

untold instances

Highlights the uncounted occurrences, often suggesting they are too many to be recorded or described.

a multitude

More concise and somewhat literary, emphasizing a large group.

numerous instances

Focuses on the occurrence of something multiple times, rather than sheer quantity.

unfathomable numbers

Emphasizes the difficulty in comprehending the size or extent of the quantity.

a vast quantity

Highlights the extensive amount or size.

limitless amounts

Similar to boundless, conveys the absence of any defined limit.

boundless amounts

Emphasizes that amounts are without limit and virtually impossible to reach.

FAQs

How can I use "countless numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "countless numbers" to describe a large, indefinite quantity of something. For example, "Countless numbers of people were affected by the disaster".

What can I say instead of "countless numbers"?

You can use alternatives like "myriad numbers", "innumerable amounts", or "a multitude" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "countless numbers" or "numerous amounts"?

"Countless numbers" emphasizes the inability to count the quantity, while "numerous amounts" simply indicates a large quantity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it best to avoid using "countless numbers"?

Avoid using "countless numbers" in contexts where precision is required. If specific data or estimates are available, using them will provide more clarity and strengthen your argument.