hundreds of men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hundreds of men" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a large, but unspecified, number of men. Here is an example sentence: "The construction crew consisted of hundreds of men, all working tirelessly to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hundreds of men lost their lives then.

The Guardian - Opinion

The regiment lost hundreds of men: killed, wounded and missing.

The Washington Post

Hundreds of men were seen walking rapidly up Broadway.

The New York Times

There was little air in the ovenlike cars, and hundreds of men died standing up.

Britannica

A year later, in January 2015, hundreds of men begin a hunger strike.

The New York Times

At Camp Bucca, they said, hundreds of men formed a group called the Brothers.

The New York Times

On a site with hundreds of men, we'd be given two rat-infested, filthy toilets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a few dozen of the hundreds of men on board survived.

The Guardian - Tech

Entering Syria were hundreds of men, some carrying backpacks, one riding a motorcycle.

The New York Times

As usual, you interviewed hundreds of men and never thought to add a substantial number of women to the study.

Harvard University

Hundreds of men, women, and children follow her into the desert to watch her see what they cannot.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hundreds of men", ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to a substantial but inexact quantity. Avoid using it when a more precise number is known or necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "hundreds of men" when the actual number is significantly lower or higher. If the actual number is closer to dozens or thousands, choose a more appropriate term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hundreds of men" functions as a noun phrase acting as a determiner and noun, specifying a quantity of men. It's commonly used as a subject or object in sentences, indicating a large group of males, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hundreds of men" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a large, unspecified group of men. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for various contexts, from formal news reports to academic writing. While it’s important to use it accurately, avoiding exaggeration or understatement, it serves as a versatile means to convey scale. Its presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few hundred men

More specific, indicating the number is close to but not exceeding a few hundred

a multitude of men

Emphasizes the large quantity, similar to "hundreds", but with a slightly more formal tone.

numerous men

A more general term indicating a large, unspecified number of men.

many men

A simpler and more common way to express the idea of a large number of men.

a large number of men

A more explicit and less concise way of conveying the same meaning.

scores of men

Implies a large number, though perhaps slightly less than "hundreds".

a throng of men

Suggests a large group of men gathered closely together.

hordes of men

Conveys a sense of a very large, possibly uncontrolled, group of men.

masses of men

Similar to "hordes", suggesting a large and potentially overwhelming group.

dozens of men

Refers to a smaller quantity (tens) compared to "hundreds of men".

FAQs

How do I use "hundreds of men" in a sentence?

"Hundreds of men" is used to describe a large, unspecified quantity of men. For example: "The construction of the pyramids required the labor of hundreds of men."

What can I say instead of "hundreds of men"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "hundreds of men" in formal writing?

Yes, "hundreds of men" is appropriate for formal writing as it is a clear and concise way to express a quantity without being overly specific. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "hundreds of men" and "thousands of men"?

"Hundreds of men" indicates a quantity ranging from approximately 200 to 900, while "thousands of men" refers to a quantity of 2000 or more. The choice depends on the scale you want to convey.