the multitudes

USAGE SUMMARY

"the multitudes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a large number of people or things. Example: "The multitudes gathered in the town square to hear the speech by the president."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the multitudes, here are our new favorites.

The New York Times

The second group was right about the multitudes.

The New Yorker

A walker, of course, can leave the multitudes behind.

The New York Times - Travel

What about the multitudes television executives devise programs for?

The New York Times

It's for Jesse Jackson to speak to the multitudes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then they turned back to watching the multitudes.

The New Yorker

(And that doesn't factor in the multitudes who auditioned and failed).

The New York Times - Books

Maduro was the candidate of the multitudes who mourn for Chávez.

The New Yorker

Little wonder that the multitudes who can best him in this area piled on.

The New Yorker

amid the cries, jeers and laughter of the multitudes then assembled...

The New York Times

He is unconcerned about the fate of his relatives or the multitudes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the multitudes" when you want to emphasize the large number of people or things involved, particularly in a context where their collective presence is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "the multitudes" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "many people" or "a lot of people" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the multitudes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression correctly refers to a large number of people or things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the multitudes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, primarily found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively refers to a large number of people or things, emphasizing scale and collective presence. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it's crucial to avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "a large crowd" or ""the masses"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The phrase enjoys frequent usage, as evidenced by numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the masses

Implies a broader, less defined group of people, often with social or political connotations.

throngs of people

Suggests a densely packed and moving crowd.

a large crowd

Specifically refers to a gathering of people.

the populace

A more formal and literary term for the general population.

hordes of people

Implies a large, often unruly or overwhelming group of people.

a great number

Focuses on the quantity or count, rather than the group itself.

a legion of

Suggests a vast and organized group, often used metaphorically.

the general public

Refers to the population as a whole.

countless individuals

Emphasizes the inability to count or specify the number of people.

a sea of faces

Visually describes a large crowd where individual faces are indistinguishable.

FAQs

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

"The multitudes" is used to refer to a large number of people or things. For example: "The speaker addressed "the masses", hoping to inspire change."

What are some alternatives to "the multitudes"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a large crowd", ""the masses"", or "a great number".

Is it appropriate to use "the multitudes" in formal writing?

Yes, "the multitudes" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to convey a sense of a large, often undifferentiated group. However, consider the specific context and your audience when choosing between "the multitudes" and other synonyms.

What's the difference between "the multitudes" and ""the masses""?

While both phrases refer to a large number of people, "the multitudes" is a more general term. "The masses" often carries social or political connotations, implying a less privileged or less powerful group.