many hundreds

USAGE SUMMARY

"many hundreds" is correct and it is usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large number when you don't know the exact number or when you want to emphasize that the quantity is large. For example: "Many hundreds of people gathered for the protest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Many hundreds of thousands.

Independent

Many hundreds have died.

The New Yorker

Many hundreds more are wanted.

The Economist

Karim heard that it is many hundreds.

The New Yorker

Many hundreds of thousands never made it.

The New Yorker

They number many hundreds under Barack Obama.

The Economist

Many, many hundreds.

The Guardian - Film

Many hundreds remain in civil service today.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many hundreds were reportedly detained.

The New York Times

So not many "hundreds", then.

The Guardian

It will take many hundreds of years".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "many hundreds" when you want to convey a sense of a large quantity without specifying the exact number. This is particularly effective when the exact number is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "many hundreds" in contexts where a more precise number can be provided. Providing a specific range or approximate figure can increase the clarity and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "many hundreds" functions as a quantifier, specifying an approximate quantity greater than two hundred. Ludwig AI shows it's commonly used to indicate a substantial number without being precise, as seen in examples like "Many hundreds have died" and "Many hundreds more are wanted."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "many hundreds" is a versatile quantifier used to describe a significant, but not precisely known, quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. It conveys a sense of scale without requiring specific numbers. While alternatives like "several hundred" or "hundreds of" exist, "many hundreds" offers a slightly different nuance, often emphasizing the abundance or impact of the quantity. It's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "many hundreds" and more precise figures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several hundred

Replaces "many" with "several", suggesting a more specific but still indefinite quantity.

hundreds of

A more common and direct way to express a quantity in the hundreds.

a good few hundred

Adds a colloquial tone and emphasizes that the number is more than just a few.

quite a few hundred

Similar to "a good few hundred", adding a slightly informal tone.

numerous hundreds

Emphasizes the large quantity by using "numerous" instead of "many".

a significant number of hundreds

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity.

a multitude of hundreds

More emphatic and formal than "many hundreds".

a substantial number in the hundreds

Highlights that the quantity is not just any number in the hundreds, but one of appreciable size.

plenty of hundreds

Emphasizes abundance and sufficiency.

various hundreds

Suggests that the hundreds are distinct or different from each other.

FAQs

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

You can use "many hundreds" to describe a large quantity when you don't need to be precise. For example, "Many hundreds of people attended the conference."

What are some alternatives to "many hundreds"?

Alternatives include "several hundred", "hundreds of", or "numerous hundreds". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "many hundreds" or "hundreds of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Hundreds of" is generally more common, but "many hundreds" can be used for emphasis or stylistic variation. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

When should I use "many hundreds" instead of a more precise number?

Use "many hundreds" when the exact number is unknown, difficult to ascertain, or unimportant to the overall message. It's a useful way to indicate a large quantity without getting bogged down in specifics.