manifold

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "manifold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "manifold" when you are trying to express something that is complex, varied, or extensive. For example: "The manifold problems associated with this project will require a great deal of attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The supporters of the former dictatorship," former dissident Freya Klier has warned, "sit in the Bundestag, in the media, in schools, in manifold commissions of our democracy".

The Guardian - Opinion

But set aside my manifold inadequacies as lover and human being for a moment.

The Guardian

Doctors and psychiatrists say the pressures are manifold: from patients desperate for resolution and families eager for reassurance, from schedules that leave them with too many patients and not enough time and from the lack of available alternatives.

The Guardian

The letter states "the errors within IHMS' medication processes are manifold, represent significant risk to patients and likely to constitute medical negligence".

The Guardian

The challenges in meeting the tourism target are manifold, as MPs complained in June, when parliament discussed the sector.

The Guardian

The benefits of collaboration are manifold, Kuevor argues: "It helps reduce duplication, ensures their development efforts are more coordinated, and increases opportunities for them to learn from one another.

The Guardian

There are manifold audiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

The best way to do that is surely for President Jonathan and his government to tackle the country's manifold real-life problems.

The Economist

It would help avoid manifold predicted catastrophes to do with climate, weather and the survival prospects of millions of species.

The Economist

Yet the country has not taken advantage of its economic tailwind to tackle its manifold problems awful infrastructure, rampant corruption and foot-dragging bureaucracy, to name but a few that impede other sources of growth in the future.

The Economist

But his shipmates brought home the custom of sucking in the smoke, and the taste spread so rapidly that in 1604 King James I of England was prompted to issue a denunciation of the "manifold abuses of this vile custome".Vile indeed, but habit-forming and therefore lethally dangerous: it cuts short the lives of between a third and half of its practitioners.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "manifold" to describe complex situations with numerous aspects, especially when emphasizing variety or abundance. For instance, "The project faces manifold challenges." It is often more impactful than simply stating 'many'.

Common error

Avoid using "manifold" in contexts where simpler words like "many" or "various" suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious. For example, instead of "The manifold reasons for his success", "The many reasons for his success" might be clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "manifold" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing them as complex, varied, or numerous. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to express something that is complex, varied, or extensive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "manifold" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to convey complexity, diversity, or abundance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and highlights its function in expressing multifaceted concepts. It predominantly appears in news and media, along with formal and business contexts, which indicates a degree of formality. When considering related phrases, "numerous" and "various" serve as close alternatives, although "manifold" often implies a deeper level of intricacy. As demonstrated by the examples, the effective use of "manifold" enriches writing by emphasizing the complexity of the subject at hand. Therefore, while simple and direct, "manifold" should be preferred for sophisticated and well-structured writing, more than “many” or “various”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerous

Focuses specifically on the quantity or number of items.

various

Emphasizes the diversity and variety of items or aspects.

multifarious

Highlights the many different aspects or elements involved.

diverse

Stresses the distinct and different nature of the elements.

multiple

Indicates that there is more than one, but not necessarily a large number.

abundant

Implies a plentiful or large quantity of something.

copious

Suggests a very large quantity or supply.

plentiful

Similar to abundant, indicating a sufficient or generous amount.

myriad

Refers to a countless or extremely great number.

profuse

Indicates something is produced or displayed in great quantity.

FAQs

How to use "manifold" in a sentence?

"Manifold" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is varied, complex, or abundant. For example, "The benefits of this approach are manifold" or "The organization faces manifold challenges".

What can I say instead of "manifold"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "numerous", "various", "multifarious", or "diverse". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "manifold challenges" or "many challenges"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "manifold challenges" suggests a greater degree of complexity and variety than "many challenges". "Manifold" implies a more intricate and diverse set of issues.

What's the difference between "manifold" and "multiple"?

"Multiple" simply indicates more than one, while "manifold" implies a great number and variety. For instance, "multiple attempts" means several attempts, whereas "manifold problems" suggests a complex and varied set of problems.