overwhelming number

USAGE SUMMARY

"overwhelming number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a large number, usually one that is difficult to comprehend or manage. For example, "The overwhelming number of applications made it difficult to choose a winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An overwhelming number are male, white and Oxbridge.

The Guardian

Happily, in an overwhelming number of cases they have.

The Guardian - Film

No need to wade through an overwhelming number of options.

The New York Times

Excessive speed, for example, is implicated in an overwhelming number of fatal crashes.

The New Yorker

It also skips reggae and Latin pop, which present an overwhelming number of releases.

The New York Times

"The overwhelming number of vacancies were in our studios and one-bedrooms," she said.

The New York Times

He did not blame Congress for an overwhelming number of requests.

The New York Times

The Yankees have 87 victories, which is not an overwhelming number.

The New York Times - Sports

"The overwhelming number of adult and child psychiatrists believed that this was just a hyperactive child".

The New Yorker

"The overwhelming number of N.F.L. players are good people and good citizens," Tagliabue said.

The New York Times - Sports

"The overwhelming number of African-American ministers are progressive and have a civil rights background".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overwhelming number" to describe a quantity so large that it creates a sense of being difficult to manage or overcome. For instance, "The overwhelming number of responses crashed the server".

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming number" when a simpler term like "many" or "several" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming number" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. It signifies a quantity that is so large as to be difficult to manage or ignore. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes a large number, usually one that is difficult to comprehend or manage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overwhelming number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize a significantly large quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various writing contexts, with prevalence in news, scientific and formal communication. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "insurmountable number" to indicate a challenging quantity or "large number" for a more general description. While versatile, avoid overuse in contexts where simpler terms suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large number

A more general and less emphatic way to indicate a considerable quantity.

great number

A standard way of saying a lot of something. It is slightly less emphatic than "overwhelming number".

huge number

Similar to "large number" but with a stronger emphasis on size.

considerable number

Indicates a quantity that is noteworthy or significant.

immense number

Conveys a sense of vastness and great size.

tremendous number

Implies the quantity is remarkably large and impressive.

stunning number

Emphasizes that the number is surprisingly large, and evokes an emotional response.

insurmountable number

Implies the quantity is so large it presents a significant challenge or barrier.

predominant number

Indicates that the quantity represents the majority or most significant portion.

strong number

Suggests a quantity that is powerful or influential.

FAQs

How can I use "overwhelming number" in a sentence?

You can use "overwhelming number" to describe a quantity that is so large as to be difficult to handle or ignore. For example, "The company received an overwhelming number of complaints after the product launch."

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming number"?

You can use alternatives like "large number", "immense number", or "considerable number" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "overwhelming number" in formal writing?

Yes, "overwhelming number" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to emphasize the large quantity of something. However, ensure that its use is justified and not an exaggeration.

What's the difference between "overwhelming number" and "large amount"?

"Overwhelming number" is typically used to describe countable items (e.g., applications, complaints), while "large amount" is often used for uncountable substances or abstract concepts (e.g., water, data).