plethora of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plethora of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the large number or variety of something. For example: "The restaurant offers a plethora of different dishes to choose from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A plethora of sponsors has pulled out.

The Economist

Adequate capital hides a plethora of sins.

The New York Times

There is, instead, a plethora of paths.

The New Yorker

Nigeria offered a plethora of outstanding books.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I've got a plethora of problems.

The Guardian - Tech

"It was a plethora of things.

The New Yorker

"There's a plethora of Off Broadway".

The New York Times

"Plethora", for a plethora of reasons.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This suggests a plethora of prison-related mascot names.

The New York Times

This opened up a plethora of new design possibilities.

The Guardian - Tech

Yes, there is a plethora of Biblical contradictions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plethora of" to add emphasis when describing a large quantity or wide variety, especially when aiming for a slightly more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "plethora of" in overly simplistic or informal contexts where simpler words like "many" or "lots of" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plethora of" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a large or excessive amount of something. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to emphasize abundance. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment that it's used to emphasize the quantity or variety of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plethora of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a large quantity or wide variety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize abundance. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts and might sound out of place in casual settings. Common usage contexts include news, science, and encyclopedic content, as shown in Ludwig's examples. To ensure clear and effective communication, consider synonyms like "myriad of" or "abundance of" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

myriad of

Emphasizes a countless or extremely great number, similar to 'plethora' but can imply even greater vastness.

abundance of

Focuses on a plentiful supply or quantity, highlighting that there's more than enough.

wealth of

Suggests a rich or large collection, often implying value or richness in addition to quantity.

host of

Indicates a large number of things or people, suggesting a gathering or assembly.

array of

Highlights a diverse and organized collection, emphasizing variety and arrangement.

profusion of

Stresses an extravagant or unrestrained quantity, implying an overflowing or excessive amount.

overabundance of

Highlights an excessive amount, often suggesting that the quantity is more than what is needed or desirable.

surfeit of

Implies an excessive amount that can cause discomfort or displeasure due to being too much.

wide variety of

Highlights the diversity within a large selection, emphasizing the range of different options.

large quantity of

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing a significant amount.

FAQs

How can I use "plethora of" in a sentence?

The phrase "plethora of" is used to indicate a large or excessive amount of something. For example, "The conference offered a "plethora of" workshops for attendees to choose from."

What are some alternatives to "plethora of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "myriad of", "abundance of", or "wealth of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a plethora of" or "plethora of"?

While both are understandable, it is generally better to use "a plethora of" as it is more grammatically correct and commonly used.

Is "plethora of" formal or informal?

"Plethora of" is generally considered a semi-formal phrase. While suitable for many contexts, it might be replaced by simpler language like "many" or "lots of" in very informal settings.