return in large numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return in large numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a group of people or things comes back in significant quantities, often after being away or absent for a period of time. Example: "After the festival ended, attendees began to return in large numbers to their hometowns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Five years ago, The Independent asked its readers to help Normandy veterans return in large numbers to the D-Day beaches for the 65th anniversary.

Independent

For reasons that are not completely clear -- perhaps as a result of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 -- harbor seals began to return in large numbers to Long Island in the early 1970's, Mr. Penny said.

The New York Times

While tribal council leaders have urged activists to leave the camps and let the fight play out in the courts, many on the ground have put out pleas for people to return in large numbers.

The Guardian

Women born in 1962 experienced a massive drop in employment once they entered their mid-20s, and they did not return in large numbers to the workforce until their 40s.

The Guardian - Business

Look, for a corrective, to the private investors who fled the stockmarket last October, frightened by the furious reaction to the president's suggestion that Israel should be "wiped off the map", and have yet to return in large numbers.

The Economist

The new Yugoslav president, Vojislav Kostunica, says Serbs should return in large numbers, for their safety, but the United Nations refugee agency and NATO's generals have concluded that the numbers should be smaller and less obtrusive, to avoid protests and attacks by Albanians.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Restaurants are reopening, music spills from bars and coffeehouses, and tourists are returning in large numbers.

The New York Times

And renters have returned in large numbers to snap up houses from Southampton to Montauk.

The New York Times

Hotels were refurbished and repaired, and after visitors returned in large numbers in 2006, a vigorous building boom began.

The New York Times - Travel

The American and European tourists and businesspeople who previously snapped up figurines representing the Chinese zodiac signs have not yet returned in large numbers.

The New York Times

Hanukkah, more significant in New York than elsewhere because of the city's large Jewish population, took place earlier than in most years, and foreign tourists have still not returned in large numbers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "come back in droves" or "reappear substantially" for variety in your writing, especially if you've used the original phrase repeatedly.

Common error

Avoid using "return in large numbers" when the actual number returning is not significant. The phrase implies a substantial influx, so ensure the context justifies this claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return in large numbers" primarily functions as a verb phrase, modifying the action of returning by specifying the scale of the return. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common and acceptable way to describe a significant influx or comeback.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return in large numbers" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a substantial comeback or influx. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for usage across various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media. While alternatives like "come back in droves" or "reappear in great quantities" exist, "return in large numbers" remains a clear and direct way to convey the magnitude of a return. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing, though precision in describing the context of the return is always recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return en masse

Emphasizes the collective nature of the return, happening all at once and in great numbers.

reappear in great quantities

Emphasizes the reappearance and abundance.

come back in droves

Suggests a large, surging return, often implying enthusiasm.

flock back in great numbers

Implies a gathering or herding behavior in the return.

repatriate en masse

Specifically refers to returning to one's home country collectively.

repopulate substantially

Highlights the act of restoring a population to a significant level.

migrate back in force

Suggests a powerful and determined return movement.

surge back in numbers

Conveys a sudden and powerful increase in returning individuals.

come streaming back

Implies a continuous flow of returning entities.

re-emerge significantly

Focuses on the re-emergence after a period of absence, highlighting the notable scale of the return.

FAQs

How can I use "return in large numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "return in large numbers" to describe a significant comeback or influx, such as: "After the war, refugees began to "return in large numbers" to their homeland."

What's a more vivid alternative to "return in large numbers"?

Consider using alternatives like "come back in droves", which suggests a large, enthusiastic return, or "reappear in great quantities" for emphasis on abundance.

Is it appropriate to use "return in large numbers" in formal writing?

Yes, "return in large numbers" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports or academic analyses. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of your piece.

Which is more appropriate: "return in large numbers" or "return in great numbers"?

"Return in large numbers" and "return in great numbers" are largely interchangeable. "Large numbers" may subtly emphasize the quantity or scope of the return, while "great numbers" can highlight the significance or impact of the return.