large number
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A large indefinite number: A quantity that is significantly big but not precisely counted or specified. It refers to a considerable amount or multitude of items, people, or things.
Usage
This noun phrase is used to describe a significant but unspecified quantity. It is often followed by the preposition "of" to indicate what the large number consists of. It functions as a singular noun phrase, so the verb that follows is typically singular (e.g., "A large number is...").
Examples
- A large number of people attended the concert.
- She has read a large number of books on the subject.
- The company received a large number of applications for the position.
- A large number was affected by the policy change.
Advanced Usage
- "A large number of" vs. "The large number of": "A large number of" is used for an indefinite, unspecified large quantity. "The large number of" is used when referring to a specific, known large quantity that has been previously mentioned or is understood from context.
- A large number of students were absent. (We don't know the exact number; it's indefinite.)
- The large number of complaints forced the company to act. (The specific quantity of complaints is the known topic.)
Variants and Related Words
- Multitude (n): A very large number of people or things. Often implies a crowd or great variety.
- A multitude of options were available.
- Plurality (n): A large number; often used in formal contexts. In specific contexts (like elections), it has a different, precise meaning (the number of votes for the leading candidate, if less than a majority).
- A plurality of opinions was expressed.
- Host (n): A large number of people or things.
- We faced a host of problems.
- Legion (n): A vast number, a multitude.
- Her admirers are legion.
Synonyms
- A great many
- A lot
- Numerous
- Countless
- Myriad
- A slew of (informal)
Related Phrases
- In large numbers: Used to indicate that many people or things are doing something.
- Protesters turned out in large numbers.
- Any number of: Used to emphasize that the quantity could be very large and is not limited.
- You could choose any number of solutions.
Noun
- a large indefinite number
- a battalion of ants
- a multitude of TV antennas
- a plurality of religions