multitude of figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multitude of figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of numerical representations or illustrations in a specific context, such as data analysis or artistic works. Example: "The report presented a multitude of figures that illustrated the company's growth over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In the National Stadium, as the sky darkened and eight o'clock approached, a multitude of figures scuttled forward, each wheeling what appeared to be an outsized laundry basket.

The New Yorker

These are landscapes with a multitude of figures, in which something momentous is taking place, and they unfurl like a whole sequence of large-scale Romantic paintings, shimmering with feeling.

The Guardian - Books

His later works were largely religious and unprecedentedly vast in scale, as in the dazzling "Cathedra Petri," which covers the whole end of St. Peter's in Rome with a teeming multitude of figures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once again, it's hard not to think of, say, Andreas Gursky's 1999 photographs of a dollar store packed with colorful products or a multitude of figures swarming inside the Chicago Board of Trade, images that turn consumerism and the frenzied activities of capitalism into an experience of the postmodern sublime.

The New York Times

He uses the Scan-O-Rama to populate the Luna Park installation with a multitude of figures from his own life.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The resulting pieces of the decomposition can be rearranged (with no overlap) in various ways to obtain a multitude of different figures, all equivalent by dissection to the initial figure and having the same area.

Cornell University

These men were all important, but we are also introduced to a multitude of minor figures.

The New York Times - Books

Any attempt to make an outline of the amounts for this phenomenon will run into a multitude of contradictory figures.

The Guardian

Ultimately, heroes are meant to reveal some sort of humanity, at least to Campbell's mind: "We shall have only to follow, therefore, a multitude of heroic figures through the classic stages of the universal adventure in order to see again what has always been revealed.

Forbes

In fact, there are a multitude of public figures -- from celebrities to presidents -- who have battled some form of an anxiety disorder, and most of America is none the wiser.

Huffington Post

A multitude of action figures, dolls, toy cars, plush animals and religious statuettes are arrayed across this landscape, arranged in scenes or planted along the borders of dirt paths, like runway lights.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "multitude of figures", ensure the context clearly defines what 'figures' refers to, whether they are people, numerical data, or artistic representations, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "multitude of figures" when a simpler phrase like "many figures" or "numerous figures" would suffice. Using more complex phrasing can sometimes sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multitude of figures" functions as a noun phrase, where "multitude" acts as a quantifier modifying the noun "figures". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English and commonly used in certain contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “multitude of figures” is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a large number of figures. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for formal, academic, or journalistic contexts where a degree of emphasis on quantity or diversity is desired. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity regarding what the “figures” represent, avoiding overuse in situations where simpler alternatives like “many figures” would be more appropriate. Remember to always use the plural form, “figures”, with “multitude”. Key sources employing the phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica, indicating its acceptance across reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Numerous figures

Replaces "multitude" with "numerous", which emphasizes the count of figures.

Many figures

A more straightforward and simple way of saying there are a lot of figures.

A large number of figures

This alternative is more verbose and emphasizes the quantity.

A great many figures

Similar to "a large number", but slightly more emphatic.

A host of figures

Implies an organized or impressive collection of figures.

A throng of figures

Suggests a densely packed or crowded group of figures.

A sea of figures

Paints a visual picture of figures extending far into the distance.

An abundance of figures

Highlights the plentiful supply or availability of figures.

A plethora of figures

Similar to abundance, but perhaps more dramatic or exaggerated.

Scores of figures

Indicates a count in groups of twenty or a large indefinite number.

FAQs

How can I use "multitude of figures" in a sentence?

You can use "multitude of figures" to describe a large number of people, numerical data, or characters/illustrations in art. For instance, "The painting depicted a "multitude of figures" engaged in a lively dance."

What are some alternatives to "multitude of figures"?

Alternatives to "multitude of figures" include phrases like "numerous figures", "many figures", or "a large number of figures". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it correct to say "a multitude of figure" instead of "a multitude of figures"?

No, the correct phrase is "a multitude of figures". "Multitude" requires a plural noun. Therefore, "figures" is grammatically correct, while "figure" is not.

When is it appropriate to use "multitude of figures" over simpler alternatives?

Use "multitude of figures" when you want to convey a sense of grandeur, complexity, or overwhelming quantity. In simpler contexts, alternatives like "many figures" might be more appropriate.