dozens of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dozens of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a large quantity of something. For example: "I saw dozens of interesting books in the bookstore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dozens of people spoke.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dozens of flags….

The New Yorker

Dozens of "E.T".

The New Yorker

Dozens of homes flooded.

The New York Times

Dozens of cameras clicked.

The New York Times - Sports

Dozens of observations.

The Economist

Dozens of soldiers die.

The New York Times

Dozens of defections followed.

The Economist

Dozens of police followed.

The Guardian

I asked dozens of people.

The New York Times

There are dozens of slaveholders.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dozens of" when you want to convey a quantity greater than a few but not large enough to be considered hundreds. It strikes a balance between specificity and generality.

Common error

In highly formal or scientific writing, consider using a more precise number or a more general term like "many" if the exact quantity isn't crucial. Overusing "dozens of" can make your writing sound less precise and less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dozens of" functions as a quantifier, specifying an approximate quantity greater than a few but less than hundreds. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a non-exact number, offering a middle ground between vagueness and precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dozens of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used quantifier in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to indicate a quantity that is more than a few but not quite in the hundreds, functioning effectively across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more precise numbers when appropriate. Related phrases such as "scores of", "many", and "numerous" can provide alternatives depending on the desired level of formality and specificity. Remembering these points will help ensure effective and appropriate use of the phrase "dozens of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scores of

An alternative way to express a similar quantity, implying slightly more than "dozens of".

a considerable number of

Highlights that the quantity is noteworthy or significant.

a significant quantity of

Focuses on the importance or impact of the amount.

a multitude of

Emphasizes a very large number, potentially more than "dozens of".

a good deal of

Implies a substantial quantity, often used for uncountable nouns.

numerous

Similar to "many" but slightly more formal.

a number of

A general way to indicate that there are multiple items or individuals.

many

A simpler and more general term for a large quantity, less specific than "dozens of".

several

Suggests a quantity slightly less than "dozens of", indicating more than a few but not a large amount.

quite a few

Indicates a moderate quantity, possibly less than "dozens of".

FAQs

How to use "dozens of" in a sentence?

Use "dozens of" before a plural noun to indicate a quantity of approximately 24 to 100. For example, "Dozens of people attended the concert."

What can I say instead of "dozens of"?

You can use alternatives like "scores of", "many", or "numerous" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "dozen of" instead of "dozens of"?

No, it is not correct. "Dozens of" is the correct plural form used to indicate multiple dozens. "Dozen of" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "dozens of" and "hundreds of"?

"Dozens of" indicates a quantity roughly between 24 and 100, while "hundreds of" indicates a quantity between 100 and 1000. The choice depends on the approximate number you want to convey.