in masses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in masses" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to large quantities or groups of something. For example, "The people gathered in masses at the concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Men were thrown on the case in masses.

The New Yorker

But spreading manure is a common farm practice, and it rarely results in masses of flies.

The New York Times

Megalopteran females lay eggs above water level in masses of 3,000 or more.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eggs are laid in masses in streams or ponds, often in the shallows near shore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Coots nest in masses of water plants, laying as many as ten speckled eggs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Society from London and the country houses about turned out in masses.

The New York Times

Rooms are furnished in dark wood and have beamed ceilings, but oversized glass doors let in masses of daylight.

The Guardian - Travel

Eggs, in masses numbering up to 800, are laid within a jelly that swells on contact with water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pollen grains are usually bound together by threads of a clear, sticky substance (viscin) in masses called pollinia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

To keep 42nd Street clear the police shunted marchers up to 46th Street, where officers and the pressed-in masses had several run-ins.

The New York Times

They float in the water in masses and emit light when disturbed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in masses" to emphasize the sheer number or volume of something, particularly when describing a large gathering or influx. For example, "Tourists arrived in masses during the summer festival."

Common error

Avoid using "in masses" interchangeably with "en masse". While both indicate a large group, "en masse" implies unity and coordinated action, whereas "in masses" simply denotes a large quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in masses" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how something occurs, particularly emphasizing the large quantity or number involved. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in masses" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a large quantity or gathering of something. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While similar phrases like "en masse" exist, "in masses" specifically emphasizes the number or volume involved. When using "in masses", consider its neutral tone and ensure it accurately reflects the intended emphasis on quantity rather than coordinated action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in large numbers

Emphasizes the quantity or count of individuals or items.

in great quantities

Focuses on the amount or volume involved.

in abundance

Suggests a plentiful or overflowing supply.

in droves

Implies a large group moving together, often with a sense of urgency.

en masse

A French term indicating a group acting or moving as one.

in bulk

Refers to a large quantity, often for commercial purposes.

in swarms

Describes a large, often disorganized group, typically of insects or people.

in hordes

Suggests a large, uncontrolled group, often with a negative connotation.

in legions

Evokes a sense of a vast and organized group, often with military connotations.

in clusters

Describes items or people grouped closely together.

FAQs

How can I use "in masses" in a sentence?

Use "in masses" to describe a large number of people or things. For example, "The protesters gathered "in masses" to voice their concerns."

What are some alternatives to using "in masses"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in large numbers", "in great quantities", or "in abundance".

Is "in mass" grammatically correct instead of "in masses"?

While "in mass" might be understood, "in masses" is generally preferred when referring to a multitude of items or people. "In mass" is more appropriate when describing something as a single, large body or entity.

What's the difference between "in masses" and "en masse"?

"In masses" simply means in large numbers, while "en masse", borrowed from French, implies that a group is acting together as a single unit.