many

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "many" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large number of people or things in various contexts. Example: "Many people enjoy reading books in their free time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But many do.

The New York Times

Many do.

The New York Times

"Officials spend a lot of time generating proposals – many not commissioned by politicians.

The Guardian

Many are orphans.

The New York Times

And many more.

The New York Times

Many would say yes.

The Economist

Many already have.

The New York Times - Arts

-How many?

The New York Times

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

The actor replies: "Do you know how many times the cops have been called just because we're black?

The Guardian - Film

Many profess to be shocked by Katie's naked ambition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "many", ensure the noun it modifies is plural. For example, "many books" is correct, while "many book" is incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using "many" with uncountable nouns. Use "much" instead. For example, use "much water", not "many water".

Linguistic Context

The word "many" functions primarily as a determiner, specifying a large quantity of countable nouns. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is correct and common in English. Examples include "many people", "many books", and "many times".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "many" is a versatile determiner used to indicate a large quantity of countable items. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. To ensure accuracy, use "many" before plural nouns and avoid it with uncountable nouns (use "much" instead). Alternatives like "numerous" or "a large number of" can add variety, but "many" remains a frequently used and readily understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Numerous

Synonymous but often considered more formal or sophisticated.

A large number of

More formal and precise; often used in academic or technical writing.

A good many

Implies a significant number, but slightly less formal than "a large number of".

Considerable number

Highlights that the quantity is noteworthy or significant.

A multitude of

Emphasizes the great number and sometimes implies variety.

Lots of

More informal and colloquial.

Abundance of

Suggests a plentiful supply or more than enough.

A great deal of

Often used with uncountable nouns.

Plenty of

Suggests an ample or sufficient quantity.

Profusion of

Implies an overabundance or lavish supply.

FAQs

How do I use "many" in a sentence?

"Many" is used before plural countable nouns to indicate a large quantity. For example, "Many people enjoy the concert".

What can I say instead of "many"?

You can use alternatives such as "numerous", "a lot of", or "a large number of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "many of the people"?

Yes, it is correct. "Many of" is followed by a determiner (such as "the", "these", "those", or possessive pronouns) and a plural noun. For instance, "many of the students".

What is the difference between "many" and "much"?

"Many" is used with plural countable nouns (e.g., "many books"), while "much" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "much water").