masses

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'masses' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a large number of people or things, or as an adjective to describe something that is large in size or quantity. Example 1: The concert was attended by large masses of fans, eager to see their favorite band perform. Example 2: The new shopping mall attracted masses of shoppers with its grand opening discounts. Example 3: The teacher had to carefully plan her lessons to cater to the different learning styles of the masses of students in her class. Example 4: The politician's speech resonated with the masses, leading to a surge in his popularity. Example 5: The sheer magnitude of the hurricane caused massive destruction to the masses of houses along the coast.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is easy to mock the idea of Cameron standing up for the toiling masses while the pockets of his Old Etonian tailcoat bulge with hedge-funded millions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elsewhere in Australia, Sydney will soon open its planning decisions to the masses, with consultation apps for citizens to send feedback to the council directly from the sites of proposed developments.

The Guardian

"The fact that we're being played to the masses is just weird," says Holman.

The Guardian - Music

Atrophied voluntary parties are not in a condition to turn the masses out to chilly church hall meetings, but here was a chance for politics to reach into the living rooms of people that it doesn't usually trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cooked white beans, meanwhile, are a gem to have ready in the fridge: puree and use to top bruschetta, or toss into rocket salads, or heat up with masses of olive oil, lemon juice and garlic to serve with bangers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wigan, like Bournemouth, had a generous benefactor, though throwing masses of money at anything is not in Dave Whelan's character.

The Guardian - Sport

According to the poster, it was an attempt to bring "the street sensation that's sweeping the nation" to the masses, yet the decision to cast really awful non-rapping actor Mario Van Peebles as a really-not-awful rapper proved predictably troublesome.

The Guardian - Film

Bish bash bosh, there you go, a fashion trend, all set to go, ready for consumption by the masses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Twitter and blogging have given a voice to millions and allowed genuine opposition movements to take their case to the masses.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, although it would be another 100 years before the working masses started holidaying abroad, these packages were a step towards the democratisation of travel – prior to this, only the really wealthy could swan off on grand tours.

The Guardian - Travel

The masses now realise the tremendous might they can wield when they act collectively.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "masses", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the group you're describing. Avoid using it in a way that is demeaning or disrespectful.

Common error

Be careful not to use "masses" in a way that implies all members of a group are the same or share the same opinions. Recognize individual differences within any large group.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "masses" is as a noun, typically referring to a large number of people or things. According to Ludwig, the word is correct and commonly used in written English. It can also function as a verb in its third-person singular form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Travel

4%

Sport

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "masses" is a versatile noun frequently used to describe a large group of people or a substantial quantity of something. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and common in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, with high prevalence in news and media. When using "masses", be mindful of potential connotations of generalization or stereotyping, and aim for respectful and precise language. For alternative expressions, consider options like "general public" or "common people" to better suit your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general public

Emphasizes the broad accessibility and commonality of the group.

common people

Highlights the ordinary or non-elite status of the individuals.

the populace

A more formal and collective term for the inhabitants of a place.

the multitude

Conveys a sense of a very large, often indistinct crowd.

the rank and file

Refers to the ordinary members of an organization, especially in military or political contexts.

the working class

Specifies a socioeconomic group defined by manual or industrial labor.

the lower classes

Focuses on the socioeconomic stratum at the bottom of the hierarchy.

the proletariat

A Marxist term for the working class, emphasizing their role in production.

the hoi polloi

A somewhat derogatory term for the common people, often implying a lack of refinement.

the great unwashed

A humorous or dismissive term for the common people, implying a lack of hygiene or sophistication.

FAQs

How do you use "masses" in a sentence?

You can use "masses" to refer to a large group of people, as in "The concert attracted "masses of people"". It can also refer to a large quantity of something, like "He had "masses of data" to analyze".

What's the difference between "masses" and "crowds"?

"Masses" often implies a less organized or more abstract group than "crowds". "Crowds" typically refers to people gathered in a specific place for a specific purpose, while "masses" can refer to a more general population or a large quantity of something. For example, we say that The politician spoke to the masses but we can also say The politician spoke to the crowd.

Which is the correct phrase, "the masses" or "masses of people"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "The masses" typically refers to the general population, especially the working class. "Masses of people" simply means a large number of people, without necessarily implying a particular social class. For example, we say that Politicians often appeal to "the masses", in order to be elected but we can also say Politicians often speak to "masses of people".

What can I say instead of "masses" when referring to people?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "general public", "common people", or "the populace". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.