the masses

USAGE SUMMARY

"the masses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large group of people, usually with similar characteristics or beliefs. For example, "The masses accepted the new policies with enthusiasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The masses are discontented.

The New York Times

Alert the masses.

The New York Times

Art is for the masses.

The New Yorker

The masses are the troops.

The New Yorker

"It's inconvenient for the masses.

The New York Times

Food for the masses, yes.

Independent

The masses were waiting downstairs.

The New Yorker

He writes for the masses.

The New Yorker

Today the masses everywhere can.

The Economist

Preppy for the masses".

The New York Times

Bring in the masses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the masses" when you want to emphasize the large number of people involved, and their collective impact or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "the masses" to make sweeping generalizations or stereotypes about entire groups of people. Recognize that individuals within any large group have diverse perspectives and experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the masses" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a large group of people, often in a social or political context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the masses" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to a large group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While generally neutral, one should be mindful of its potential connotations. This phrase commonly appears in news and media contexts, making it crucial to wield it with care and precision. When in doubt, consider alternatives such as "the general public" or "the population" for a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the general public

This phrase is a more neutral and widely accepted alternative to referring to the populace.

the population

This alternative emphasizes the total number of people living in a particular area or country.

the people

A simple and direct way to refer to the collective body of citizens or individuals.

the rank and file

This phrase refers to the ordinary members of an organization or society, especially as opposed to the leaders.

the commonalty

A more formal term for the common people or the general populace.

the multitude

Highlights the large number of individuals involved.

the hoi polloi

This is a slightly derogatory term for the common people.

the proletariat

A term, primarily used in Marxist theory, referring to the working class.

the citizenry

This term emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of people as citizens.

the body politic

Refers to the people of a nation, state, or society considered as a unified group.

FAQs

How can I use "the masses" in a sentence?

You can use "the masses" to refer to a large group of people, typically in a social or political context. For example, "The new policy was unpopular with "the general public"" or "The politician appealed to "the population" with promises of economic reform".

What's a more neutral alternative to "the masses"?

While "the masses" can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, alternatives like "the general public", "the population", or simply "the people" are often more neutral and widely accepted.

When is it appropriate to use "the masses" instead of other terms?

Use "the masses" when you want to emphasize the large number of people involved and their collective impact or experience. It's particularly suitable in discussions of social movements, political trends, or cultural phenomena that affect a large segment of society.

Does "the masses" have any negative connotations?

Yes, the term "the masses" can sometimes imply a sense of condescension or detachment, suggesting that the speaker views the group as an undifferentiated mass rather than a collection of individuals. Be mindful of this potential connotation and consider whether a more neutral term would be more appropriate.