thousands of

USAGE SUMMARY

"thousands of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to denote a large amount of something. For example: "Thousands of people passed through the city square that day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thousands of people have.

The New Yorker

"Thousands of former soldiers.

The New Yorker

Thousands of A.S.U.

The New York Times

Thousands of inmates surrendered.

The Economist

Although thousands of soldiers….

The New Yorker

Thousands of books.

The New York Times

Thousands of people applied.

The New York Times - Health

Thousands of years?

Independent

"Thousands of bodies.

The New Yorker

Thousands of people everywhere.

The New Yorker

Thousands of 'em?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance the impact of the phrase by adding specific context; for instance, instead of just saying "thousands of people", specify "thousands of refugees" to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

While "thousands of" is widely understood, it can lack precision. In formal reports or academic papers, consider using more exact figures or qualifiers like "approximately" or "over" to provide greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thousands of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a large but inexact number. It precedes a countable noun, modifying it to express quantity. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thousands of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a large but unspecified quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the following noun is countable. For formal writing, consider using more precise language when available. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its broad applicability in conveying numerical scale without exact figures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great number of

Similar to "thousands of" but less specific, indicating a considerable but undefined quantity.

a multitude of

Emphasizes variety and a large number, often used to describe diverse elements within a group.

a vast quantity of

Implies a large and extensive amount, highlighting the scale of the quantity being referenced.

numerous instances of

Highlights the repeated occurrence of something, focusing on individual events rather than a collective.

innumerable cases of

Implies a very large number of occurrences, suggesting they are too many to count individually.

countless examples of

Emphasizes the impossibility of counting, suggesting an extremely high quantity beyond comprehension.

myriad instances of

Stresses diversity within a large quantity, emphasizing the variety of elements present.

an abundance of

Highlights plentiful availability or supply, focusing on resource richness rather than just count.

a wealth of

Indicates a large supply or collection, often used in the context of information or resources.

a sea of

Uses a metaphor to describe an overwhelming quantity, often referring to people or objects spread out widely.

FAQs

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

Use "thousands of" followed by a plural countable noun to indicate a large, unspecified number. For example, "thousands of people attended the event".

What can I say instead of "thousands of"?

You can use alternatives like "a multitude of", "numerous instances of", or "a great number of depending on the context".

Is it more appropriate to use "thousands of" or specific numbers in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's generally better to use specific numbers when available for greater precision. Use "thousands of" when an exact figure is unknown or unnecessary.

Is "thousands of" formal or informal?

"Thousands of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language might be preferable in highly formal settings.