"a great number of" vs "great number of"

Question

"a great number of" vs "great number of"

Both 'a great number of' and 'great number of' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'A great number of' is more formal and emphasizes a large quantity, while 'great number of' is more casual and commonly used in everyday speech.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use 'a great number of' in formal writing or speech to emphasize a large quantity of something.

Examples:

A great number of people attended the event.
There is a great number of books in the library.
She has a great number of responsibilities at work.
A great number of students participated in the competition.
The company received a great number of applications for the job.

Alternatives:

a large number of
a significant number of
a considerable number of
a substantial number of
a vast number of

Use 'great number of' in informal conversations or everyday speech to refer to a large quantity of something.

Examples:

There were a great number of people at the concert.
He has a great number of friends in the city.
We received a great number of responses to the survey.
She has a great number of shoes in her closet.
There is a great number of options to choose from.

Alternatives:

a lot of
many
numerous
plenty of
a plethora of

Answer 1

a great number of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts to emphasize a large quantity.

Answer 2

great number of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in casual speech to refer to a large quantity of something.

"a great number of" vs "great number of"

a great number of

great number of

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