many
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɛni/
US
- /ˈmɛni/
Description
- a large number
- lots of
- plenty of
- numerous
- a good number of
"Many" speaks of having a large number of things, more than just a few. Think of a field full of wildflowers or stars shining in a clear night sky. It does not give an exact count, but it shows that the number is clearly big. You might say "many people attended the concert," meaning a large crowd was there. Or you might have "many things to do," which shows a busy day ahead. Unlike "few," which points to a small number, "many" points to plenty. It is used with countable nouns, things you can count one by one, like apples, friends, or ideas.
The word "many" shows that there is a large number of something, clearly more than a small or limited amount. It is a flexible word that helps paint a picture of fullness. For example, "Many birds migrate south for the winter" suggests that a large number of birds make this journey.
One of the most important rules is that "many" is used with countable nouns, items you can count one by one, like books, cars, or opportunities. You would not say "many water," because water is not usually counted as separate units; you would say "much water" instead. However, you could correctly say "many drops of water."
The opposite of "many" is "few." While "few" suggests a small number and can even hint that there is not enough, "many" emphasizes a large amount. For instance, one might say, "Few people understand the complexities of quantum physics," while "Many students are eager to learn about history."
It can also suggest variety. Saying "There were many different cultures represented at the festival" shows not only a large number, but also a mix of different kinds. It is a useful word when you want to show that there are lots of distinct things or people.
Examples
- 1
Crowded station
Many people were waiting outside the station.
- 2
Furniture supply
We don't have many chairs left.
- 3
Ticket question
How many tickets do you need?
- 4
Friend group
Many of my friends live in other cities.
Pattern
many of + specific group
a large number from that group
- 5
Excessive mistakes
I made too many mistakes in the first draft.
Pattern
too many + plural noun
more than is good or needed
- 6
Book overflow
She has so many books that they no longer fit on the shelf.
Pattern
so many + plural noun + that
a very large number with a result
- 7
Permission
You can ask as many questions as you like.
Pattern
as many + plural noun + as you like
any number you want
- 8
Meeting attendance
There weren't as many people at the meeting as I expected.
- 9
Repetition
I've heard that story many times before.
- 10
Public reaction
Many were surprised by the final decision.
Meaning
many
many people
- 11
Formal phrasing
Many a student has made the same mistake.
Grammar
many a + singular noun takes a singular verb and sounds formal or literary
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- manyadjective