to be numerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be numerous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a quantity or amount of something that is large or abundant. Example: "The species in the rainforest are known to be numerous, contributing to the area's rich biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Symptoms of autism appear to be numerous.

The Guardian

The advantages of computer drawing proved to be numerous.

Britannica

These changes in timing, known collectively as heterochrony, have proved to be numerous and significant.

University of California, Berkeley

Sensors and actuators are assumed to be numerous and periodically distributed.

Comptes Rendus de l'Académie des Sciences - Series IIB - Mechanics

The sensors and actuators are assumed to be numerous and periodically distributed.

Microelectronics Reliability

from now there expected to be numerous affordable nanomedicine technologies available in market exploring these lines.

Journal of Controlled Release

Throughout the years there continued to be numerous other celebrations where we observed that same gleam and unconditional adoration.

The New York Times

Over the next half-century there were to be numerous train movies, but relatively few science-fiction pictures of distinction.

The Guardian - Film

They do not promise, however, to be numerous enough to make the picture a real box office attraction.

Stanford University

Thus, the metabolic changes in organisms engineered to express VHb are likely to be numerous and complicated.

Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal

He added, however, that "Garzón has also doggedly pursued many important terrorist cases and there have been and will continue to be numerous areas where our interests overlap".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be numerous", ensure the context clearly indicates what is present in large quantities. For example, "The challenges in implementing this project are expected to be numerous."

Common error

Avoid using a singular verb form with "to be numerous" when referring to a plural subject. It's correct to say "The problems are to be numerous", not "The problems is to be numerous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be numerous" functions as a descriptor, indicating a large quantity or number of something. Ludwig AI shows its use in various contexts, such as describing symptoms, advantages, or expected technologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be numerous" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to denote a large quantity or abundance across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic writings. While the phrase is suitable for formal communication, considering synonyms like "abundant" or "plentiful" can sometimes enhance clarity or stylistic impact. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement to avoid grammatical errors. The phrase's frequent use underscores its importance in effectively conveying the concept of numerousness in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be abundant

This option replaces "numerous" with its direct synonym "abundant", maintaining a similar grammatical structure.

to be plentiful

This option replaces "numerous" with "plentiful", indicating a sufficient or generous quantity.

to abound

This alternative uses a single verb to convey the idea of being present in large numbers or great quantity.

to exist in large quantities

This alternative provides a more descriptive explanation of the original phrase, focusing on the large amount.

to be many

A more direct and simple way of indicating a high quantity.

to be in great supply

This alternative emphasizes the availability of something in large amounts.

to be copious

This option indicates a large amount or number, especially of written material.

to be profuse

This suggests an extravagant quantity or display.

to be teeming

This option implies being full of something, often in a lively or active way.

to be rife

This alternative means to be full of something undesirable or unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "to be numerous" in a sentence?

Use "to be numerous" to indicate that something exists in large quantities or in great number. For example: "The benefits of exercise "appear to be numerous"".

What's the difference between "to be numerous" and "to be abundant"?

Both "to be numerous" and "to be abundant" suggest a large quantity. "To be abundant" emphasizes a plentiful supply, while "to be numerous" simply highlights a large number. You could use "to be plentiful" as well.

What are some alternatives to saying "to be numerous"?

Alternatives include "to abound", "to be abundant", "to exist in large quantities", or "to be plentiful", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "to be numerous" in formal writing?

Yes, "to be numerous" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider whether a more specific or vivid synonym might be more effective. Options like "to be copious" or "to be profuse" can sometimes add more color to your prose.