large number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"large number of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large amount of something. For example: "We received a large number of applications for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A large number of readers certainly did.

The Guardian

And on a large number of humans.

The New Yorker

A large number of drinks are consumed.

The New Yorker

Large number of individuals.

Harvard University

A large number of hands were raised.

The Guardian - Books

A large number of voters remain undecided.

The New York Times

"That's a large number of people.

The New York Times

Why a large number of judges?

The New York Times - Sports

A large number of armed police followed.

The Guardian

A large number of persons were killed.

The New Yorker

That is a large number of women.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "large number of", ensure that the noun it modifies is countable. For uncountable nouns, consider alternatives like "large amount of" or "great deal of".

Common error

Avoid using "large number of" with uncountable nouns like "water" or "information". Instead, opt for "large amount of water" or "great deal of information" to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large number of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a significant quantity. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's used to describe a countable amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "large number of" is a versatile and commonly used quantifier, indicating a significant quantity of countable items. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various writing contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it’s important to ensure the noun being modified is indeed countable, opting for phrases like "large amount of" for uncountable nouns. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "significant quantity of" or "substantial amount of". Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in news, science, and academic writing, making it a useful tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant quantity of

Replaces 'number' with 'quantity', emphasizing amount rather than count. More formal.

substantial amount of

Focuses on the size or extent of something, suitable when the quantity isn't precisely countable.

considerable quantity of

Similar to 'significant quantity', but carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the quantity's impressiveness.

great deal of

An informal alternative suitable for uncountable nouns, indicating a substantial amount or extent.

high volume of

Specifically emphasizes the 'volume', implying abundance and scale, often used in business or data contexts.

abundance of

Implies a plentiful or overflowing quantity, suitable for contexts where there is more than enough.

plethora of

Suggests an excessive or overwhelming amount, often used to describe choices or options.

multitude of

Emphasizes a large and diverse collection, suitable when the items are distinct and varied.

numerous instances of

Replaces 'number' with 'instances', fitting when describing repeated occurrences or events.

wide array of

Suggests a diverse and extensive selection, emphasizing variety rather than sheer quantity.

FAQs

How do I use "large number of" in a sentence?

"Large number of" is used to indicate a significant quantity of countable items. For example, "A "large number of students" attended the lecture".

What can I say instead of "large number of"?

You can use alternatives like "significant amount of", "substantial quantity of", or "great deal of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "large number of" or "large amount of"?

"Large number of" is used with countable nouns (e.g., people, books), while "large amount of" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., water, money). Using them interchangeably is incorrect.

Is "a large number" formal?

"A large number" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in professional settings, more formal alternatives like "significant quantity of" might be preferred in academic writing.