though a large number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though a large number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception regarding a significant quantity of something. Example: "Though a large number of people attended the event, the atmosphere remained surprisingly intimate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Lucky for us, though, a large number of our international students are from Saudi Arabia, the home country of most of the 9/11 hijackers.

Huffington Post

Many such unofficial sites have been created on the dark web, according to security blogger Scot Terban, though a large number of them appear to be unofficial and largely disorganised attempts.

Independent

Protease inhibitors represent a major class of drugs, even though a large number of proteases remain unexplored.

Analytical Biochemistry

Though a large number of the group moved back to the city about one quarter of the original settlers stayed.

The New Yorker

"Even though a large number of people have been affected by this, it feels like something can be done".

The New York Times - Arts

Though a large number of such proteins have been identified, their specificities and expression levels are not suitable for lignocellulosic bioethanol production.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Even though a large number of modern deltas have this triangular form, many display a variety of sizes and shapes that depend on a number of environmental factors.

Britannica

Though a large number actually live in Jersey City, and the best Egyptian strip in New York City is in Astoria, Queens, there are several spots in Manhattan worth checking.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Perhaps most oddly, though, quite a large number are either from or related to the world of politics.

The Guardian - Music

"The 10 to 15percentt of adopted children who do display these problems though, represent a large number in an absolute sense, and present immense difficulties to society," he said.

The New York Times

The process took a considerable period of time, though, and a large number of men were able to undertake tertiary and vocational training in England and France to prepare for their return to civilian life.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though a large number" to introduce a contrasting point, particularly when the quantity might lead to an expectation that is not met. It is helpful in setting up a nuanced argument.

Common error

Avoid using "though a large number" when there is no actual contrast. Ensure the sentence presents a situation where the quantity seems to imply one outcome, but another occurs instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though a large number" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a concession or contrast. Ludwig shows that it often precedes a statement that is unexpected given the quantity mentioned.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "though a large number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to introduce a contrast, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is typically followed by a statement that seems unexpected given the quantity mentioned. While its register is generally neutral, it can appear in more formal contexts such as scientific and business writing. When using this phrase, be sure to present a true contrast where the quantity might lead to an expectation that is not met. Related alternatives include "despite a significant amount" and "even with a considerable quantity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite a significant amount

Emphasizes the contrast with a notable quantity, using "despite" instead of "though".

even with a considerable quantity

Highlights the quantity as substantial, using "even with" to introduce the contrast.

notwithstanding a high volume

Introduces a more formal tone, using "notwithstanding" to acknowledge the quantity.

in spite of a substantial number

Emphasizes the contrast despite the quantity being substantial, using "in spite of".

regardless of a great deal

Focuses on the irrelevance of the quantity, using "regardless of" to set aside the amount.

although many

A more concise way to express a similar idea, focusing on the quantity without specifying it as "a large number".

while a substantial amount

Introduces a contrast using "while", highlighting the notable quantity.

despite the presence of numerous

Highlights the presence of numerous items or individuals, using "despite" for contrast.

even if there are plenty of

Acknowledges abundance using "plenty of", introducing a contrast with "even if".

however many

Focuses on the quantity's lack of impact, using "however" to introduce the contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "though a large number" in a sentence?

Use "though a large number" to introduce a contrast or exception, where the quantity might suggest one outcome, but something different happens. For example, "Though a large number of people attended, the event remained intimate."

What are some alternatives to "though a large number"?

Alternatives include "despite a significant amount", "even with a considerable quantity", or "in spite of a substantial number" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "though a large number" or "although many"?

The choice depends on the level of detail you want to provide. "Though a large number" specifies a significant quantity, while "although many" is more general. Use the former when the specific quantity is relevant to the contrast.

What's the difference between "though a large number" and "despite a significant number"?

While both introduce a contrast, "though a large number" emphasizes the quantity as a factor that might lead to a different expectation. "Despite a significant number" focuses more directly on the contrast itself, without necessarily highlighting the quantity's potential impact.