in many cities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in many cities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation, event, or characteristic that occurs in multiple urban areas. Example: "In many cities, public transportation is a vital part of daily life for residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The elections were boycotted in many cities.

The New York Times

The housing market crashed in many cities.

The New York Times

In many cities, gangs roamed the streets.

The New Yorker

In many cities water is rationed.

The Economist

Protests have erupted in many cities.

The New York Times

In many cities, however, accessibility varies by locality.

Landscape and Urban Planning

In many cities the mayor is also the main developer.

The Economist

In many cities, it would sit atop the heap.

The New York Times - Food

Smog is a recurrent health danger in many cities.

Independent

In many cities, this would be called a political machine.

The New York Times

Historically, in many cities of course, elevation has held cachet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in many cities", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is common across these cities. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in many cities" without providing any supporting evidence or examples. This can weaken your argument and make it seem unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in many cities" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the location or scope of an action or condition. Ludwig examples show it setting a common scenario. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in many cities" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to generalize observations across various urban locations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted, appearing frequently in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context and evidence to avoid overgeneralization. While "in many cities" is typically neutral in register, aiming for specificity when relevant can enhance clarity and strengthen your argument. Consider alternatives such as "across numerous cities" or "in various urban centers" to introduce nuance and variety into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across numerous cities

Replaces "many" with "numerous", emphasizing a large number of cities.

in a multitude of cities

Substitutes "many" with "a multitude of", highlighting a very large quantity of cities.

in various urban centers

Replaces "cities" with "urban centers", offering a more formal tone.

throughout several cities

Uses "several" instead of "many", suggesting a smaller, but still unspecified, number of cities.

in a number of cities

Replaces "many" with "a number of", providing a more general and less emphatic quantity.

across diverse cities

Emphasizes the variety and heterogeneity of the cities involved.

in numerous urban locations

Combines "numerous" with "urban locations" for a slightly more descriptive alternative.

within a range of cities

Suggests that the cities fall within a certain spectrum or classification.

in a variety of cities

Highlights the diverse nature of the cities in question.

in many metropolitan areas

Substitutes "cities" with "metropolitan areas", focusing on larger urban conurbations.

FAQs

How can I use "in many cities" in a sentence?

You can use "in many cities" to describe situations, trends, or issues that are prevalent across numerous urban areas. For example: "In many cities, there's a growing focus on sustainable transportation".

What are some alternatives to "in many cities"?

Alternatives include phrases like "across numerous cities", "in various urban centers", or "throughout several cities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in many cities" or "in most cities"?

The choice between "in many cities" and "in most cities" depends on the scope you want to imply. "In many cities" suggests a significant number, but not necessarily a majority, while "in most cities" implies a majority. Choose the phrase that more accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

How can I make my use of "in many cities" more specific?

To enhance specificity, consider adding details about the types of cities you are referring to (e.g., "in many coastal cities") or providing examples of specific cities where the trend or issue is observed.