vast number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity or multitude of something. Example: "The research revealed a vast number of species that had yet to be discovered in the rainforest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Dawn Ades analyses a vast number of individual paintings.

The Guardian - Books

That's a vast number of children we're still letting down.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are a vast number of less populous groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This vast number of trees and parks, you know?

Independent

Reality, therefore, may turn out to consist of a vast number of nested simulations.

The New Yorker

I have probably seen ten thousand victims over the years a vast number of them.

The New Yorker

There have also been a vast number of exhibitions of his sculpture.

The Guardian

Everyone acknowledges the vast number of messages each and every day.

The New York Times

And there is no doubt that basic research underpins a vast number of today's cures.

The Guardian

A vast number of incidents from across the timeframe have never before been reported.

The Guardian

Hovering in the middle are the vast number of neutral words that can swing either way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase; vary your language by using synonyms such as "large quantity of" or "multitude of" to keep your writing engaging.

Common error

Ensure you use the correct preposition after "vast number of". The most common mistake is to use "in" instead of "of". For example, use "a vast number of incidents" instead of "a vast number in incidents".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large quantity. Ludwig examples show it describing various nouns such as 'children', 'trees', 'messages', 'incidents', etc., showing versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vast number of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a large quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media and Science. While generally correct, remember to use "of" as the correct preposition. Vary your writing by considering alternatives such as "large quantity of" or "multitude of" to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large quantity of

Emphasizes the amount rather than the count; it changes from a number focus to a quantity focus.

great quantity of

Similar to 'large quantity of' but may imply even more.

significant amount of

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity, subtly changing the emphasis.

substantial amount of

Indicates a considerable quantity, similar in magnitude but with a different tone.

considerable quantity of

Suggests a quantity worthy of attention, varying slightly in formality.

huge quantity of

Implies a very big quantity.

massive quantity of

Similar to 'huge quantity of', but with more weight.

a multitude of

Shifts from a numerical focus to suggesting variety and diversity within the large quantity.

a plethora of

Implies an abundance, almost to the point of excess.

countless instances of

Emphasizes the repeated occurrence of something, implying too many to count.

FAQs

How can I use "vast number of" in a sentence?

The phrase "vast number of" is used to describe a large quantity of something. For instance, "The study analyzed a vast number of cases" or "A vast number of resources are needed for the project".

What are some alternatives to "vast number of"?

You can use alternatives such as "large quantity of", "great quantity of", or "significant amount of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a vast number in" instead of "a vast number of"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "of". "A vast number of" is the standard and grammatically correct form. Using "in" would be considered an error.

What's the difference between "vast number of" and "large number of"?

While both phrases indicate a significant quantity, "vast number of" often implies an even greater or more impressive quantity than "large number of". The choice depends on the intended emphasis.