many ships

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "many ships" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of ships, typically in contexts related to maritime activities, trade, or naval discussions. Example: "The harbor was bustling with many ships preparing to set sail for their respective destinations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've got too many fighter planes, too many ships.

The Economist

Many ships are delayed, unable to discharge cargo.

The New York Times

"I've never seen so many ships in my life".

The New York Times

But the relevant data point is not how many ships evaded capture, but how many ships never sailed that, undeterred, otherwise would have.

The New York Times

Many ships plying from Asia to Europe hug Oman's coast en route to the Suez Canal.

The Economist

But many ships are also now bathed by floodlights while at anchor.

The Economist

Many ships are fitted with "bilge keels" in an attempt to dampen roll.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Think of how many ships were sunk in the First and Second World Wars.

The New York Times - Science

Another is the gritty bunker fuel burned by the many ships in a once-fragrant harbour.

The Economist

Nobody could have guessed that something so legally inconsequential would send so many ships adrift.

The New Yorker

As the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, many ships docked first in Barbados.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "many ships" in your writing, consider the specific context. If you're describing a naval fleet, "a fleet of ships" might be more appropriate. If you're emphasizing quantity, "a great many ships" could be a better choice.

Common error

Avoid using "many ships" in overly informal contexts where more casual alternatives like "lots of ships" or "loads of ships" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "many ships" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "many" acts as a determiner quantifying the noun "ships". Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically sound, appearing in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

8%

The Guardian - Travel

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "many ships" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that describes a large number of vessels. It's suitable for various contexts, though slightly more formal alternatives might be preferable in specific situations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent occurrence across diverse sources. When writing, consider the context and intended audience to choose the most appropriate phrasing, and be mindful of the subtle differences between "many ships" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerous vessels

Replaces "many ships" with synonyms for both words, maintaining a similar level of formality.

a large number of ships

Rephrases the quantity using "a large number", offering a slightly more descriptive tone.

a multitude of ships

Substitutes "many" with "a multitude", suggesting a great quantity in a slightly more formal way.

a great many ships

Adds emphasis to the quantity using "a great many", implying a significant number of vessels.

plenty of ships

Uses "plenty" to indicate an ample or sufficient quantity of ships.

several ships

Implies more than a few ships, but fewer than "many ships".

a fleet of ships

Suggests ships sailing together or owned by the same company/nation.

ships galore

Uses a more informal term "galore" to describe "many ships".

loads of ships

Uses the colloquial expression "loads of" to describe a large quantity of vessels.

a host of ships

Uses "a host of" to describe an abundance of vessels, offering a slightly more literary tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "many ships" to describe a large number of vessels in various contexts. For example, "Many ships were delayed due to the storm", or "I've never seen so "many ships in" my life".

What are some alternatives to "many ships"?

Alternatives include "numerous vessels", "a large number of ships", or "a multitude of ships". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "many ships" or "a lot of ships"?

"Many ships" is generally more formal and appropriate for professional or academic writing. "A lot of ships" is more informal and suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing.

Can "many ships" refer to a specific type of ship?

No, "many ships" refers to a large quantity of ships in general. To specify a type of ship, you would need to add an adjective before "ships", such as "many cargo ships" or "many warships".