vast numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity or a significant amount of something, often in contexts related to statistics, populations, or resources. Example: "The study revealed that vast numbers of people are affected by climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not vast numbers.

The New York Times

In vast numbers.

The Guardian - Tech

Are vast numbers of riders affected?

The New York Times

Vast numbers of soldiers and policemen deserted.

The Economist

"It could be vast numbers".

The Guardian

Vast, vast numbers will die.

The New Yorker

It's just these vast numbers".

The New York Times

Species are becoming extinct in vast numbers.

The New York Times

Soloists have to learn vast numbers of notes.

The Guardian - Music

Women produced, wrote and edited films in vast numbers.

The Guardian - Film

Vast numbers of women are under-treated or badly treated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast numbers" to convey a sense of scale and abundance. It's most effective when the specific number is unknown or less important than the overall impression of quantity.

Common error

While "vast numbers" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise figures or estimations are preferred. Opt for specific data whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast numbers" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a large quantity or amount. It commonly appears before nouns to describe populations, items, or abstract concepts, as demonstrated by Ludwig, which highlights its use in describing "vast numbers of people" or "vast numbers of birds".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vast numbers" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a large quantity or amount. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While "vast numbers" effectively conveys scale, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more precise language when specific figures are available. The examples found by Ludwig show the expression in sentences from News & Media, Science and Formal & Business, with News & Media being the most common usage. While generally neutral, it's advisable to use caution and avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing, opting for specific data whenever possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huge quantities

Emphasizes the sheer size of the amount.

large amounts

A more general alternative, suitable for many contexts.

great quantities

Similar to "huge quantities", but with a slightly more formal tone.

significant quantities

Highlights the importance or impact of the amount.

substantial amounts

Indicates a considerable and noteworthy quantity.

considerable quantities

Similar to "substantial amounts", suggesting a significant quantity.

a multitude

Focuses on the numerousness or variety within the large quantity.

innumerable instances

Highlights the inability to count or specify the exact number.

a great many

An idiomatic alternative, emphasizing the large count.

countless instances

Similar to "innumerable instances", suggesting an effectively infinite number.

FAQs

How do I use "vast numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "vast numbers" to describe a large quantity of something when the exact figure is not known or not important. For example, "Vast numbers of people are affected by climate change".

What are some alternatives to "vast numbers"?

Alternatives include "large quantities", "great amounts", or "significant quantities", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "vast number" or "vast numbers"?

"Vast numbers" is generally more appropriate because it refers to multiple items or individuals. "Vast number" could be used to refer to a single, large quantity, but it's less common. Examples might include referring to a "vast amount" of land.

What's the difference between "vast numbers" and "large numbers"?

While both phrases indicate a significant quantity, "vast numbers" often implies an even greater scale or a sense of immensity compared to "large numbers". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.