untold millions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untold millions" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a very large, unspecified number of people or things, often in a dramatic or impactful context. Example: "The charity event raised untold millions for those in need, making a significant difference in countless lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They took home untold millions in fees.

The Economist

That's worth untold millions of dollars.

The New Yorker

Untold millions of people actually like him.

The Guardian

"Untold millions died in the war that followed.

The New York Times

The usual wanton, carefully edited slaughter of untold millions, and a lot of Kaiju blood.

The New York Times

Today, those two words are worth untold millions in the world of New York real estate.

The New York Times

For the untold millions of weekend enthusiasts, Golden Tee is a fun barroom diversion.

The New York Times - Tech

Untold millions have had better lives because of the research achievements of Julius Axelrod.

The New York Times

Like untold millions of other Americans, Ms. Melamed, 43, has also discovered the serenity of suburbia.

The New York Times

Countless Americans have given untold millions to help families maimed by the attacks.

The New York Times

"There's clearly nothing illegal in spending untold millions of your own money to purchase office.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "untold millions" when you want to emphasize a very large, unspecified number and create a sense of drama or significance. Avoid using it when a more precise figure is available or necessary.

Common error

While "untold millions" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or technical writing where precise data is expected. Opt for more specific figures when possible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "untold millions" is that of a quantifier, specifically functioning as a determiner to express an indeterminate but very large quantity. As Ludwig indicates, this expression is commonly used to convey a sense of magnitude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "untold millions" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express a large, unspecified quantity in the millions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly found in News & Media contexts. It serves to emphasize the magnitude of a quantity, and while generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously in formal writing where precise figures are expected. Related phrases include "countless millions" and "innumerable millions", which offer similar shades of meaning. When using "untold millions", consider the audience and context to ensure it effectively conveys the intended sense of scale and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

countless millions

Synonymous, but with a slightly different emphasis on the inability to count.

innumerable millions

Similar in meaning, highlighting the vastness and difficulty in enumeration.

uncountable sums

Emphasizes the inability to precisely calculate the quantity.

myriad millions

Emphasizes the variety and multitude within the millions.

vast numbers

Broader term, lacks the specific magnitude implied by "millions".

legions of millions

Emphasizes the sheer number and scale, but using a more figurative term like legions.

unfathomable quantities

Focuses on the incomprehensibility of the large number.

immeasurable amounts

Focuses on quantity in a general sense, not necessarily in terms of millions.

limitless quantities

Highlights the lack of an upper bound on the amount.

astronomical figures

Suggests extremely high numbers, but without the "untold" aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "untold millions" in a sentence?

You can use "untold millions" to describe a large, unspecified quantity, as in: "The project has already cost "untold millions" of dollars."

What phrases are similar to "untold millions"?

Alternatives to "untold millions" include "countless millions", "innumerable millions", and "vast numbers".

Is it appropriate to use "untold millions" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, it's best to use more precise figures in formal or technical writing if available. Otherwise, "untold millions" is suitable for conveying a large, unspecified amount.

What does "untold millions" exactly mean?

"Untold millions" suggests a very large quantity, specifically in the millions, that is difficult or impossible to count precisely. It emphasizes the scale and significance of the amount.